Singapore ranked least corrupt Asian country and fifth overall of 180 countries and territories In the 2022 index, Singapore scored 83 points. It was ranked behind Denmark (90), Finland (87), New Zealand (87) and Norway (84). ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI David Sun Correspondent UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO SINGAPORE – Global anti-graft watchdog Transparency International has ranked Singapore as the least corrupt Asian country, with the Republic emerging fifth overall in the group’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). However, it achieved this with its lowest score in a decade, since the scoring metric was revamped by Transparency International in 2012 when Singapore scored a high of 87 points. The CPI surveys experts and business people, and scores 180 countries and territories on a scale of 0 to 100 by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. In the 2022 index, Singapore and Sweden scored 83 points. They were ranked behind Denmark (90), Finland (87), New Zealand (87) and Norway (84). The Republic was ranked fourth in the 2021 index, having tied with Norway and Sweden at 85 points, behind Denmark, Finland and New Zealand which all scored 88 points. In its report released on Tuesday, Transparency International said the 2022 CPI analyses the connection between conflict, security and corruption – taking an in-depth look at how violence and corruption impact one another around the world. The report noted that the Covid-19 pandemic, climate crisis and growing security threats around the world are fuelling a new wave of uncertainty, with countries failing to address corruption worsening the effects.. The global average score for the 2022 CPI is 43, with two-thirds of the jurisdictions scoring below 50. Ms Delia Ferreira Rubio, who is the chair of Transparency International, said corruption has made the world a more dangerous place. “As governments have collectively failed to make progress against it, they fuel the current rise in violence and conflict – and endanger people everywhere,” said the lawyer. “The only way out is for states to do the hard work, rooting out corruption at all levels to ensure governments work for all people, not just an elite few.” Singapore was ranked second in the Asia-Pacific region, behind New Zealand (87). It was trailed by Hong Kong (76), Australia (75) and Japan (73). The report said the Asia-Pacific region has stagnated for a fourth year in a row, with an average of 45 points. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Clean, honest govt has been vital to S'pore's progress: President Halimah Penalty imposed in corruption cases should take into account repayment to employers: Apex court It said that authoritarianism has been growing in the region, and added that restrictions on civic space and basic freedoms imposed during the pandemic have remained in place. The report also noted that leaders in Asia have focused on economic recovery at the expense of other priorities. Ms Ilham Mohamed, Transparency International’s regional adviser for Asia, said Singapore has scored consistently high in the rankings, remaining as one of the top countries globally and in Asia. She praised Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), calling it an excellent anti-corruption agency with international repute. But she added that, while Singapore remains among the top jurisdictions in the fight against corruption, it is not perfect and can do more. Ms Ilham said: “It is not just a two-point drop from the previous year. What we are seeing for Singapore is a stagnation and a slight drop in the last 10 years.” Asked why this was the case, she said there were two main issues that Singapore needed to manage. These were illicit financial flows across borders, and having more civic spaces to voice out against corruption. She said: “For illicit financial flows, many advanced economies in Asia are also failing at this. One key thing in such economies is that they allow for the incorporation of anonymous entities and shell companies which move money around the globe. “This is used not just by criminals, but also politically exposed persons. And politics is often linked to grand corruption.” She added that Singapore has “very strong banking systems”, but it has a responsibility to ensure the money held in its financial systems is not dirty. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Integrity must form bedrock of politics in Singapore Rules of engagement for whistle-blowing Ms Ilham said that Singapore also lacked civic spaces for people to whistle-blow publicly. “There needs to be space for people to speak up, for activists and journalists to safely whistle-blow, demonstrate and point out corruption,” she said. “If civic space is not given, then you will find that people will not report corruption. “Reporting and whistle-blowing are essential, even in a perfectly set-up anti-corruption agency.” She also noted that Singapore does not have many anti-corruption non-governmental organisations. Ms Ilham said the downside of the CPI is that it can sometimes make it look like the top performing jurisdictions do not have problems. “The problem with a 0 to 100 score and ranking is that because Singapore is so far ahead of other countries, it makes it look like the country doesn’t have any problems,” she said. “If you compare it with Afghanistan, North Korea or even Cambodia, you might think Singapore is very clean. “But Singapore should instead be comparing with what Singapore could be. Singapore can seek to aim even higher.” Asked if Singapore could ever score above 90 on the CPI, Ms Ilham said she believed it was very possible. “In terms of administrative competency and capacity, Singapore has all of it. It’s more a matter of enhancing what it already has,” she said. “I think Singapore can also actively play a stronger leadership role in the region, to be a model country in fighting corruption.” In a release on Tuesday, CPIB said the corruption situation in Singapore remains firmly under control, and noted that the country has performed well across international indexes for incorruptibility and a clean public sector. “The Political and Economic Risk Consultancy ranked Singapore as the least corrupt country in its 2022 Report on Corruption in Asia out of 16 economies, a position we have held since 1995. “In the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2022, Singapore was ranked third for absence of corruption, the top Asian nation out of 140 countries ranked,” said CPIB. The bureau also noted that 96 per cent of people surveyed in the Republic in 2022 had rated Singapore’s corruption control efforts to be effective, an improvement over the 94 per cent score in 2020. CPIB said: “Political determination, heavy punishment for corruption offences and a zero tolerance culture for corruption were the top three most important factors that contributed to the low corruption rate in Singapore.”
SIA named Airline of the Year by industry publication Air Transport World The recognition honours SIA’s swift and decisive response to the Covid-19 pandemic. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Ven Sreenivasan Associate Editor & Senior Columnist UPDATED FEB 15, 2023, 5:38 PM SGT SINGAPORE - Singapore Airlines (SIA) was on Tuesday named Airline of the Year in the 49th Annual Air Transport World (ATW) Airline Industry Achievement Awards. The recognition honours SIA’s swift and decisive response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which enabled it to re-enter the market strongly when borders reopened, said industry publication ATW. The panel of judges lauded SIA’s response to global travel restrictions. The airline raised $22.4 billion in fresh liquidity - the most by any airline during the pandemic. “In addition, multiple cost-cutting and innovative initiatives kept the company on a strong footing,” said the judges, comprising editors and analysts at ATW, airline magazines Routes and Aviation Week, and aviation consultancy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Indeed, the airline has seen its passenger load factor, which represents the percentage of available seats filled, soar as it quickly restored passenger capacity to capture the pent-up demand in the second half of 2022. In December 2022, the group had its highest passenger load factor in its history, at 89.7 per cent. In January 2023, its passenger load factor was 85.9 per cent. The award from ATW comes just weeks after Fortune magazine listed SIA as one of the 50 most admired companies in the world. SIA is the highest-ranking Asian airline on this prestigious list, which was decided through an independent survey of more than 3,700 companies, analysts and board members. The annual ATW awards are given to individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance, innovation and superior service within the airline industry. Two airline chief executives were recognised in 2023 for important and significant contributions to the global air transport industry. Emirates president Tim Clark was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Korean Air chairman and CEO Walter Cho was bestowed the Excellence in Leadership Award. American Airlines was recognised as Eco-Airline of the Year. It was the first airline to receive validation for its 2035 carbon-reduction target from the Science Based Targets Initiative, an international sustainability ratings agency. Cathay Pacific Cargo was named Cargo Airline of the Year for “continuing to grow, innovate and adapt through some of the most challenging pandemic restrictions”, said ATW. Mr Goh Choon Phong, SIA’s CEO, said the accolade given to his airline was a testament to the indomitable spirit of everyone at the company. “My colleagues demonstrated unwavering resilience over the last few years as we navigated the depths of the pandemic and dedicated themselves to ensuring that we emerged stronger than before as international passenger travel resumed,” he said. “We will continue to strive to exceed our customers’ expectations… and set new standards in the airline industry,” he added. The awards will be presented to the winners at a gala dinner on June 2 in Istanbul, in conjunction with this year’s annual gathering of the International Air Transport Association. Mr Goh is expected to accept the award on behalf of SIA. Nearly the entire SIA passenger fleet was grounded during the pandemic. The airline has currently restored 80 per cent of its pre-Covid-19 capacity. For the half year to end-September 2022, the company posted a record revenue of $8.4 billion and a record operating profit of $1.23 billion. Its net profit was $927 million. In 2022, the group carried 20.7 million passengers, up nine-fold from 2021.
Singapore puts up Padang and surrounding buildings for potential Unesco World Heritage Site nomination, following Botanic Gardens status Nuria Ling/TODAY The bid to include the Padang in this exclusive list follows the successful inscription of the Singapore Botanic Gardens as Singapore's first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2015. Follow us on Instagram and Tiktok, and join our Telegram channel for the latest updates. The Padang and surrounding buildings have been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites The Padang Civic Ensemble is an "outstanding example" of a British colonial civic square in the tropics and has national and historical significance, says the National Heritage Board (NHB) Being inscribed as a World Heritage Site will provide greater recognition of Singapore's heritage on the global stage, said NHB BY JUSTIN ONG @JustinOngTODAY Published March 9, 2023 Updated March 9, 2023 WhatsAppTelegramFacebookTwitterEmailLinkedIn SINGAPORE — The Padang, along with the civic architecture surrounding it, has been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites, the National Heritage Board (NHB) said on Thursday (March 9). The inclusion to the tentative list is the first step in a five- to six-year process in nominating the Padang as a potential Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. Collectively known as the Padang Civic Ensemble, the buildings that could be included in the bid are: The National Gallery Singapore, Saint Andrew's Cathedral, the Arts House, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, as well as the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club, among others, NHB said in a statement. World Heritage sites are designated by Unesco for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. According to Unesco's website, the sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity". The bid to include the Padang in this exclusive list follows the successful inscription of the Singapore Botanic Gardens as Singapore's first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2015. WHY THE PADANG? To become a World Heritage Site, the site must be of "outstanding universal value" and meet at least one out of 10 selection criteria. NHB said the Padang Civic Ensemble is "most likely" to fulfil the criteria of being "an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history". The Padang Civic Ensemble is "an outstanding example of a British colonial civic square in the tropics", said the statutory board. "The coalescence of colonial-era and post-independence civic institutions within a single municipal area bears testament to the historically widespread phenomenon of decolonisation and the globally significant transition of long-held British territories to newly independent nations in the decades following World War II." Samuel Woo/TODAY The Padang, along with the civic architecture surrounding it, has been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites, the National Heritage Board (NHB) said on Thursday (March 9). NHB added that other than its high potential to meet the World Heritage criteria, the Padang Civic Ensemble also bears national and historical significance. For example, it has a "high level of preservation", having been gazetted as a national monument on Aug 9 last year. READ ALSO Singapore among 4 countries to nominate the kebaya for Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list
The Padang Civic Ensemble comprises: The former City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings — the current National Gallery Singapore Saint Andrew's Cathedral Old Parliament House — now the Arts House Former Town Hall and Victoria Memorial Hall — the current Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall respectively The former Empress Place building — now the Asian Civilisations Museum Two sporting clubs — the Singapore Recreation Club and the Singapore Cricket Club The site has also borne witness to key milestones in Singapore's history, such as the installation of Yusof Ishak as the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, a title for the head of state, as well as Singapore's first National Day Parade. Grace Fu/ Facebook Singapore's first National Day Parade in 1966 was held at the Padang. Speaking to the media at a briefing at NHB's office on Thursday, Ms Jean Wee, the director for NHB's preservation of sites and monuments division, said that the Padang Civic Ensemble had been part of previous study of potential sites that was done by the board in 2010. The Singapore Botanic Gardens had also been listed as a potential site in that study and was eventually chosen as the country's first nomination. Ms Wee said that the bid to nominate the Padang Civic Ensemble as a Unesco World Heritage Site was still at an "exploratory stage". "At this point, we want to make sure that we can fully illustrate and justify the outstanding universal values of the site," she said. She added that while the Padang is associated with Singapore’s post-colonial journey, the site will have to be seen as part of the broader British imperial expansion to have global significance and fulfil Unesco's criteria. READ ALSO Singapore’s hawker culture Unesco listing shows what’s missing in Thai street food scene This is why the bid considers the Padang Civic Ensemble as being an example of a British colonial civic square in the tropics, she said. On potential criticism that the board could be glorifying colonialism by putting up the Padang and its surrounding architecture for a Unesco bid, Ms Wee said that this was a historical fact that cannot be changed. "But it’s also important to recognise that it’s from that point that we transitioned as a colony to a sovereign state. So I think we need to be quite upfront in recognising that that is our history. Let’s raise awareness of the full timeline of wealth of history (in Singapore) as well." Nuria Ling/TODAY The National Gallery Singapore (left) and Singapore Cricket Club on March 9, 2023. WHY BEING ON THE LIST MATTERS NHB said that the successful nomination of the Padang Civic Ensemble will provide greater recognition of Singapore's heritage on the global stage. It will also raise awareness of heritage preservation in Singapore and enhance the preservation of the property. It serves to foster a "stronger sense of pride for Singaporeans and ensure the site's preservation for future generations", said NHB. READ ALSO The Big Read: With Unesco listing in sight, will new breed of ‘hawkerpreneurs’ rejuvenate or erode hawker culture? In addition, it will also increase international visibility to Singapore as a tourist destination and improve relations with other international heritage organisations. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? After its addition to the tentative list, the site will go through a "preliminary assessment" — a new mechanism in the World Heritage Site nomination process. Set to begin this year, this preliminary assessment process will take about two years. Under this assessment, NHB said that Singapore will be given an opportunity to receive "guidance" from the Unesco World Heritage Centre and other stakeholders, prior to full nomination. The board will also have a longer runway to address redevelopment concerns with government agencies and other stakeholders. NHB will be carrying out research this year to determine the potential implications of the site and surrounding developments, and the outcome of the research will help guide the statutory board on whether it will formally pursue the nomination. Should NHB choose to pursue the nomination after the preliminary assessment, it will take another two years after that for the site to be submitted for nomination, which will be examined by the World Heritage Committee. The committee meets once a year and consists of representatives from 21 state parties. On how confident she is on the success of the bid, Ms Wee said: "At this stage, I think the fact that we have considered putting the site on our tentative list (means) we see that it has got good potential."
Singapore’s Unesco bid: The historical significance of the Padang, Arts House and other buildings in the area National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board An 1851 depiction of the Padang by John Turnbull Thomson, a self-taught artist and government surveyor in Singapore from 1841 to 1853. Ili Nadhirah Mansor/TODAY The Padang and its surrounding buildings has been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites on Thursday (March 9). The Padang and its surrounding buildings in Singapore have been included in the country's tentative Unesco World Heritage list The Padang, which has a rich history, was used as a military parade ground by the British after they established a trading post in Singapore in 1819 Meanwhile, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall was once the location for the trial of Japanese war criminals TODAY takes a closer look at the historical significance of some of the key landmarks within the Padang Civic Ensemble BY LOW YOUJIN Published March 9, 2023 Updated March 9, 2023 SINGAPORE — The Padang and surrounding buildings including the National Gallery and St Andrew's Cathedral are now on Singapore's tentative list to be nominated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site. To join this exclusive list, which could take around five to six years to process, the collective grouping of buildings should have "cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity", said Unesco. TODAY takes a closer look at the historical significance of some of the key landmarks within the Padang Civic Ensemble, including how the Padang was where Sang Nila Utama was said to have spotted the mythical beast that gave rise to Singapore’s name. THE PADANG The Padang, which means field in Malay, is where Sang Nila Utama is said to have spotted the legendary lion in the 13th century while on an expedition to Bentan (now Bintan), reported the National Library Board’s (NLB) quarterly publication, BiblioAsia. Thereafter, he named the island-state Singapura or the lion city. Over 500 years later, the British began using it as a military parade ground shortly after they established Singapore as a trading post in 1819. The National Heritage Board (NHB) said that the field also served as a defensive esplanade and provided a clear field of fire to defend the fledgling British settlement against invasion. Once the military threat subsided, the Padang eventually developed over time into a playing field for British sports, the town’s municipal and civic centre, and a commemorative venue. Nuria Ling/TODAY Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, formerly Town Hall and Victoria Memorial Hall, is part of the Padang Civic Ensemble, which has been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites on Thursday (March 9). VICTORIA THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL Singapore’s oldest performing arts venue was originally known as the Town Hall and Victoria Memorial Hall. It was constructed between 1855 and 1862 as a town hall housing a small theatre, read a report from Roots, a heritage portal by the NHB. When Britain's Queen Victoria died in 1901, it was decided that year a memorial hall would be constructed beside the town hall to commemorate her passing. When the memorial ended, Roots said it was decided that the town hall should be remodelled into a proper theatre with a similar attractive facade as the former. A new Victoria Theatre opened in early 1909. It was eventually renamed the Victoria Concert Hall with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra taking up residence there. During the early stages of World War II, it served as a hospital and later became the location for the trial of Japanese war criminals after their surrender. In 1954, the newly formed People’s Action Party used the venue for its inaugural meeting. Leonard Leong/TODAY The National Gallery is part of the Padang Civic Ensemble, which was added on March 9, 2023 to Singapore's tentative list for nomination to be recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. THE NATIONAL GALLERY The National Gallery, which houses local and Southeast Asian art, was formerly Singapore's City Hall and Supreme Court buildings — both of which have been gazetted national monuments. The former City Hall was completed in 1929 and was part of Singapore’s seafront neoclassical facade. The edifice was originally known as the Municipal Building, where a council oversaw the maintenance of public infrastructure, among other matters. When the Second World War began, Roots said the Municipal Building was open to the public who sought shelter from air raids. The portal added that it then became the municipal headquarters for the Japanese after the fall of Singapore and also the gathering point where the occupiers began marching Allied prisoners-of-war to Changi prison camp. In 1945, it became the building where the British accepted the surrender from Japan’s General Seishiro Itagaki. That same day, a huge victory parade took place on the Padang. The building was renamed City Hall when Singapore was granted city status by the British in 1951. It served as the spot in 1959 where Lee Kuan Yew was sworn in as Singapore’s first prime minister and Yusof Ishak became Singapore’s first Malayan-born head of state. Lee also announced the end of colonial rule and the formation of the Federation of Malaysia with Singapore as a member state on the steps of the building in 1963. After Singapore gained independence in 1965, the edifice housed various government offices. As for the former Supreme Court, it is the last grand neoclassical building constructed during Singapore’s colonial era, taking reference from the Old Bailey Courthouse in London. TODAY file photo St. Andrew's Cathedral is part of the Padang Civic Ensemble, which has been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites on Thursday (March 9). ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL Constructed in 1837, the cathedral is Singapore’s oldest surviving Anglican place of worship and is the seat of the Anglican bishop of Singapore. It is named after Saint Andrew, the patron of Scotland, in honour of the Scottish community who had donated generously to the church’s building fund, reported Roots. The portal added that when the Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942, the nave was temporarily converted into a hospital to treat the wounded but remained open for church services. Nuria Ling/TODAY The Arts House, or the Old Parliament House, is part of the Padang Civic Ensemble, which has been added to Singapore's tentative list for Unesco World Heritage sites on Thursday (March 9). THE ARTS HOUSE The Arts House building is likely to be the oldest surviving building in Singapore,said Roots, with the palatial building initially constructed as a private residence in 1827. However, Roots said an administrative oversight meant the building, known as Maxwell House, could not be enjoyed as a private residence because it was constructed on land that Sir Stamford Raffles had set aside for public and administrative use. As such, when the building was complete, the court and other government offices moved in. The building was renamed Parliament House in 1965 after Singapore gained independence. It was where Parliament sat until 1999, when a new building was constructed nearby for that purpose. In 2004, the Old Parliament House was renamed The Arts House where arts and cultural events are now regularly held.
Singapore’s Unesco bid: Profile of Padang and surrounding buildings could be raised, bringing intangible benefits, say experts Leonard Leong/TODAY The Padang and its surrounding buildings, collectively known as the Padang Civic Ensemble, are on a tentative list for a nomination to be recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Singapore Recreation Club's president said that with the Padang and its surrounding buildings potentially becoming a Unesco World Heritage Site, the club could gain greater prominence here and globally However, if the nomination is successful, the club might have to abide by Unesco's restrictions that could limit its ability to expand its infrastructure The National Heritage Board said that the Padang, along with the civic architecture surrounding it, has been added to Singapore's tentative list for a Unesco World Heritage Site nomination Urban planners and heritage experts said that the Unesco bid may enhance and protect the heritage value of the area A successful bid would bring tangible and intangible benefits to the site, which has historical significance, they said BY NAVENE ELANGOVAN Published March 10, 2023 Updated March 10, 2023 SINGAPORE — The president of the Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) said that with the Padang and its surrounding buildings potentially becoming a Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, the club could gain greater prominence here and globally. However, he is wary that possible restrictions placed by Unesco could limit the club's ability to expand its infrastructure and facilities. Urban planners and heritage experts also told TODAY that the Unesco bid could enhance and protect the heritage value of the Padang area. On Thursday (March 9), the National Heritage Board (NHB) announced that the Padang, along with the civic architecture surrounding it, has been added to Singapore's tentative list for nomination to be recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Collectively known as the Padang Civic Ensemble, the buildings that may be included in the bid are: The National Gallery Singapore, Saint Andrew's Cathedral, the Arts House, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, as well as the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club, among others, NHB said in a statement. READ ALSO Singapore’s Unesco bid: The historical significance of the Padang, Arts House and other buildings in the area Speaking to TODAY on Thursday, Mr Chang Yeh Hong, the president of SRC, said that the club would be “honoured and proud” to be part of the Unseco site if the nomination went through. “This year, we are celebrating our 140 years' anniversary and you can see, we have a long history here in the Padang. To count us as part of the Unesco site only goes to show the long tradition we have at this site,” he said. The SRC was officially established in 1883 and was housed in a building on Waterloo Street in the Bugis area, before it moved to the Padang in 1905. Mr Chang said that there could be several upsides for the club if the nomination eventually proves successful. For one thing, SRC would become more prominent here and globally, and it could attract more members to join the club. It may also increase patronage at the restaurants located within the club as well, he added. However, Mr Chang said that depending on Unesco’s requirements, the club may be limited in its ability to expand or change its infrastructure. READ ALSO Singapore puts up Padang and surrounding buildings for potential Unesco World Heritage Site nomination, following Botanic Gardens status “Under conservation regulations, you cannot change the facade of the building and have to keep everything where it is,” he explained, adding that this could possibly affect the growth of the club. He noted how buildings that are gazetted as national monuments in Singapore have to abide by strict regulations. These include prohibiting monuments from being demolished, reconstructed or expanded. That being said, the benefits outweigh the constraints, he told TODAY. 'INTANGIBLE BENEFITS' Heritage experts and urban planners told TODAY that the potential nomination of the Padang Civic Ensemble as a Unesco World Heritage Site was well-deserved and would enhance and protect its heritage value. Ms Melody Zaccheus, a former heritage news correspondent who now writes for the heritage sector, said that the average person might not be able to understand the historical value of the Padang, which may come across as just a grass patch. However, by incorporating the monuments in the area, the authorities would be able to do a better job of illustrating the story of Singapore’s civic district, with the Padang at its centre, she added. READ ALSO Padang to become nation's 75th national monument as Singapore celebrates 57th birthday On the potential benefits that a successful nomination would bring, Ms Zaccheus pointed out that at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which was successfully inscribed as Singapore's first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2015, a lot of work has been done to maintain its features, which helped it to secure its inscription. For example, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is protected through regulations on conservation and permits are required for development works. The Gallop extension was added to the Gardens in 2021, adding to the visitor experience, she noted. Similarly, heritage blogger Jerome Lim said that the move is “good for branding”. Mr Lim, who writes for the blog The Long and Winding Road, added: “It shows that Singapore, though ultramodern, is able to protect sites and sensitively use sites significant to its history and, in that sense, has retained some soul even with modernisation.” Other experts such as Dr Kevin Tan, the former president of Singapore Heritage Society, said that the inscription would also bring intangible benefits, including an improved reputation, prestige and visibility to the site. Mr Li Yuzhou, the director of Morrow Architects and Planners, said that the potential Unesco nomination would help to strengthen the protection of the Padang and the surrounding buildings, and the civic quality of this district. It would also enhance the overall value of the district. READ ALSO Singapore’s hawker culture clinches spot on Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list On whether the nomination would result in a wasted opportunity to fully maximise and develop the area, urban planners said that the potential of the site should not be measured by the economic value of its development alone. Dr Steven Choo, an urban planner and the chairman of real estate consultancy group VestAsia, said that there is also utility in preserving green spaces in city areas such as the Padang, because it will serve as a place for the community to gather. Dr Choo, who is an adjunct associate professor at the National University of Singapore Business School’s department of real estate, added that a successful bid would help Singapore anchor “an important part of our collective memory as a nation”. READ ALSO Singapore’s hawker culture on Unesco list: A look-back at the drive to get an intangible cultural heritage title
Changi Airport regains crown, named world’s best airport for 12th time Changi Airport was also named best in the world for leisure amenities and best in the world for airport dining. PHOTO: ST FILE Kok Yufeng Transport Correspondent UPDATED 8 HOURS AGO SINGAPORE - Changi Airport has been named the world’s best airport for the 12th time by London-based research firm Skytrax, regaining its crown after losing out in 2021 and 2022 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport was also named best in Asia, best in the world for leisure amenities, and best in the world for airport dining at the 2023 World Airport Awards ceremony held at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam on Wednesday. Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, came in second overall, followed by Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport bagged the world’s best airport hotel title for the eighth year in a row at Wednesday’s event. The awards were given out based on a global survey conducted by Skytrax between August 2022 and February 2023. Travellers were asked to rate airports according to their experience at different points, including check-in, arrival, shopping, security and immigration, and departure at the gate. Changi Airport held the top spot for eight consecutive years from 2013 to 2020 – the longest winning streak since the World Airport Awards were first given out in 2000. But it fell behind Hamad International Airport and Haneda Airport in 2021 and 2022. In a statement on Wednesday, Skytrax chief executive Edward Plaisted said Changi Airport’s latest win underlines its popularity with international air travellers. “After being severely hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is pleasing to note that passenger numbers at Changi Airport are now at about 80 per cent of pre-Covid-19 levels, and expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024,” Mr Plaisted added. In the same statement, Changi Airport Group chief executive Lee Seow Hiang said: “This recognition is great encouragement for our airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of Covid-19 over the past two years... To our passengers, we are deeply grateful for your vote of confidence. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Changi Airport as we rediscover the magic of travel again.” Before the start of the pandemic, Changi Airport was the world’s seventh busiest in terms of international passenger traffic, managing a record 68.3 million passenger movements in 2019. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Passenger traffic at Changi Airport expected to recover fully by 2024 or possibly earlier: Iswaran Jewel Changi makes strong recovery as footfall rises, retail sales hit new high Top 10 airports for 2023 1. Singapore Changi Airport 2. Hamad International Airport (Doha) 3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) 4. Incheon International Airport 5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 6. Istanbul Airport 7. Munich Airport 8. Zurich Airport 9. Narita International Airport 10. Madrid-Barajas Airport MORE ON THIS TOPIC Changi Airport shops busier as travellers return; retail sales hit $1.1b in 2022 2022 year in review: Changi Airport finishes top of Asia-Pacific as it recovers slower than expected
As geopolitics reshape global economy, is Singapore’s financial hub status at risk? Singapore will continue to reinforce its role as a competitive global hub by applying its time-tested craft of careful planning and deliberate regulatory interventions, say experts. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Ovais Subhani Senior Correspondent UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO SINGAPORE – Singapore’s coveted status as an international financial hub has been painstakingly built over the past 25 years but the fast-changing world and the technological forces being unleashed are creating challenges for policymakers as they try to preserve the country’s pivotal role in the global economy. There are uncomfortable parallels now to the time in the 1960s when a financial crisis – the collapse of the British pound as the world’s dominant currency of trade and finance – prompted a national sea change. Eventually, a massive devaluation in 1967 sealed the fate of the empire’s currency. The very next year, Singapore established Asia’s first offshore centre to trade American dollars, allowing banks to lend and merchants from across the region to borrow the currency of the world’s new superpower. Hosting an international finance hub also allowed Singapore to channel regional savings into the local economy, funding the development of champions such as Singapore Airlines and ship-builders Keppel and Sembawang. In the following decades as the globalisation of goods production gathered pace, Singapore diversified its economy beyond banking. Its port, positioned at a key intersection along the East-West trade route, allowed the nation to become a major hub for global manufacturing, logistics and trading firms. Foreign-owned companies now contribute 67 per cent of nominal value-added output to its economy, though local firms – mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – employ the bulk of the 3.5 million-strong workforce. But with the rules-based global order, free trade and the principles of liberal economics now in retreat amid an intensifying contest between the world’s two largest economies, Singapore finds itself at a crossroads. It faces new challenges, such as the emergence of disruptive technologies – fintech, AI, automation and green or clean tech – that are changing the structures of international competitiveness. Growing protectionism has triggered a supply chain reconfiguration by many multinationals, which are also subject to an upcoming global levy, the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting tax plan. There are challenges on the home front as well, including the increasing burdens of an ageing population, a shrinking labour force, rising costs and a perennial struggle to boost entrepreneurial talent, innovation and productivity at local companies.
While only time will tell how the geopolitical confrontation between the United States and China shapes the global economy, many experts believe that Singapore will continue to reinforce its role as a competitive global hub for finance, manufacturing, talent and innovation by applying its time-tested craft of careful planning and deliberate regulatory interventions. Mr Chris Woo, tax leader at PwC Singapore, told The Straits Times that the country is not a low-cost location and will not strive to be one; “instead, we aim to be a high productivity and high value-add location”. “Our continued relevance on the world stage will depend on our ability to embed ourselves as key nodes in almost any global supply chain, and to value-add beyond what other locations are capable of.” Mr Johanes Candra, Ernst & Young Solutions’ business incentives advisory partner, said some measures in last month’s Budget – the Professional Services Industry Transformation Map (ITM), the new Global Investment Programme (GIP) framework, and the National Productivity Fund (NPF) – point to a three-pronged focus by policymakers. These initiatives will strengthen SMEs to create a vibrant business ecosystem, boost investment in people to create a conducive environment that investors will want to be part of and help draw investments that matter from a global competitiveness perspective, he noted. “Together, these can help to consolidate Singapore’s appeal and reframe our investment promotion strategies and help us maintain our competitiveness and attractiveness in the global business landscape.” MORE ON THIS TOPIC Globalisation to be reshaped by US-China power tussle, impacting supply chains: DPM Wong Budget 2023, Lawrence Wong and Singapore’s continued pursuit of growth The highlight of the Professional Services ITM is the target of boosting value-added growth from $23 billion in 2020 to $27 billion by 2025, in addition to the creation of 3,800 additional PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) jobs a year for locals. Together with financial services, which has its own ITM, Singapore’s modern services cluster is likely to create more than 100,000 additional jobs in the same period. The new GIP framework, which lifts the minimum investment requirement from $2.5 million to $10 million, aims to attract wealthy entrepreneurs and investors and promote collaboration between local and overseas start-ups here. The initiative will help Singapore-based start-ups access global markets, funding and talent, which can enable them to scale up quickly and compete internationally. Meanwhile, a $4 billion top up of the NPF will help companies undertake productivity-enhancing projects such as automation, digitalisation and upskilling of workers. Mr David Sandison, practice leader and head of tax at Grant Thornton, said these Budget 2023 schemes “can help to attract more high-value activities to Singapore, thereby creating more job opportunities and contributing to the country’s long-term economic growth”. Government measures aimed at consolidating and rejuvenating Singapore’s hub status have been executed by a host of government agencies over the decades, such as the Economic Development Board (EDB). Its managing director, Ms Jacqueline Poh, said the EDB and other agencies aim to attract projects that stick and investments that have legs and are more sustainable. Ms Poh told a gathering of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania’s alumni here on the weekend: “In terms of things that went right, things that went wrong and how that strategy changed, it really depends on where you are at that certain point in time, what the key priorities of the Government are, and what the situation is in the state of the world.” MORE ON THIS TOPIC Singapore vows to keep economy competitive despite global headwinds How will Budget 2023 help S’pore navigate new challenges and opportunities The agility to tailor the policy framework in line with the ever-changing global economic scenario has endowed Singapore’s hub with unmatched competencies, experts say. They include a broad range of interlocking economic activities that include high-end financial services, advanced manufacturing, business headquarters, world-class physical infrastructure, credible tax and regulatory frameworks, and free trade agreements. Ms Poh pointed to Jurong Island as an example of how Singapore responds to changing priorities. The location was originally developed as a global petro-chemicals hub and is now being rewired as a clean energy park that, among other things, will host low-carbon fuel plants and South-east Asia’s largest electricity storage system. Mr Sandison said additional developments in physical infrastructure, such as the Tuas mega port and the expansion of Changi Airport, are Singapore’s way to ensure it remains a key transportation and logistics hub in the region, facilitating trade and investment flows. Singapore hosts a highly educated and skilled workforce to maintain its role as a hub for innovation and a destination of choice for multinational companies while at the same time taking steps to attract and retain talent from around the world. Mr Chiu Wu Hong, partner and head of private enterprise at KPMG, said: “Singapore should uphold its word-class talent status in terms of talent competitiveness, a destination for global and start-up talent by continuously upskilling and upgrading its people.” Experts admit that geopolitical tensions and supply-chain reconfigurations have resulted in increased interest in relatively new hub destinations such as Dubai and India’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, despite a few challenging years amid domestic political turmoil and compliance with China’s strict Covid-19 lockdown, continues to be seen as Singapore’s closest rival in Asia. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Singapore and Hong Kong spar for green finance supremacy in Asia S'pore has to respond to global transitions, seize opportunities: Chan Chun Sing
Singapore is top Asian city in Smart City Index, ranks 7th worldwide The Smart City Index takes into account input from the cities’ residents of how technology has improved their lives. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN Isabelle Liew UPDATED 1 HOUR AGO SINGAPORE – Singapore is the smartest Asian city and the seventh smartest in the world, according to the 2023 Smart City Index. Published by Swiss business school Institute for Management Development (IMD) on Tuesday, the index ranks 141 cities by how they use technology to address the challenges they face to achieve a higher quality of life. In 2020 and 2021, Singapore was also ranked seventh in the world, three places up from its rank of 10th in 2019. Previously, it was reported that Singapore was in first place from 2019 to 2021, but these past rankings have been adjusted according to a new methodology used for the 2023 index. The Smart City Index was not released in 2022. The smartest cities in the world in 2023 are Zurich in the No. 1 spot, followed by Oslo and Canberra, according to the index. The Smart City Index takes into account input from the cities’ residents of how technology has improved their lives. About 20,000 people were surveyed on 15 aspects of living in their cities, such as affordable housing, road congestion, green spaces and employment. They were also asked about various structures and technologies, and how comfortable they felt with technologies such as facial recognition and the sharing of personal data. As the top Asian city, Singapore fared well in areas such as the provision of medical services, having green spaces and access to quality education. Singapore was also among six cities cited by the index to have been “continuously improving their performance since 2019”. Zurich, Oslo, Beijing, Seoul and Hong Kong were the other five cities. The 2023 index also had Asian and European cities dominating the top 20 spots out of the 141 cities surveyed. Data showed that respondents surveyed in Singapore ranked the city above the mean in all areas, topping factors like public safety, Internet speeds and children having access to good schools. But the respondents were also concerned about affordable housing, unemployment and whether they had fulfilling employment, which were flagged as their most urgent priorities. Other areas where Singapore did not fare as well included recycling services, and cultural activities – the index gave the examples of shows, bars and museums. It was not revealed how many respondents in each city were surveyed for the index. Dr Bruno Lanvin, president of IMD’s Smart City Observatory, said the global landscape of smart cities is changing, and the index can serve as a benchmark for progress on openness, innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. “A new world is shaping up, and changes at the city level are a precious indicator of what the future may hold. Openness and inter-city collaboration may become key components of the next wave of globalisation,” he said. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Can Singapore remain competitive in a changing world? S'pore ranked second globally for best talent, only Asian nation in top 20
Top 20 smartest cities Ranking City 1 Zurich 2 Oslo 3 Canberra 4 Copenhagen 5 Lausanne 6 London 7 Singapore 8 Helsinki 9 Geneva 10 Stockholm 11 Hamburg 12 Beijing 13 Abu Dhabi 14 Prague 15 Amsterdam 16 Seoul 17 Dubai 18 Sydney 19 Hong Kong Table: STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS Source: IMD
Changi ranks 9th among world’s busiest airports in 2022 for international passengers Changi ranks 9th among world’s busiest airports in 2022 for international passengers | The Straits Times Changi Airport was the world’s 9th busiest, with a total of 31.9 million travellers passing through in 2022, according to the ranking by ACI World. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Michelle Ng UPDATED APR 9, 2023, 7:14 PM SGT SINGAPORE – Changi Airport has returned to the ranks of the world’s top 10 busiest airports, in terms of international passenger traffic in 2022, amid strong growth in air travel demand. The airport was the world’s ninth busiest, with a total of 31.9 million travellers passing through, according to the ranking by Airports Council International (ACI) World released last Wednesday. Dubai International Airport held on to the top spot with 66 million international passenger movements, followed by London Heathrow Airport with 58.2 million passengers, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with 52.5 million. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Changi Airport was the world’s seventh busiest in terms of international passenger traffic and managed a record 68.3 million passenger movements in 2019. The airport dropped to the 95th spot in 2021 as borders were shut and air travel demand plunged during the pandemic. With the resumption of international travel, global passenger traffic in 2022 reached close to seven billion, based on preliminary figures from ACI World. It represents an increase of 53.5 per cent from 2021, or a 73.8 per cent recovery from 2019 results, marking an important milestone in air travel’s recovery from the pandemic. International traffic is inching back to pre-pandemic levels, with volumes climbing 89.7 per cent in February 2023 compared with February 2022, according to figures from the International Air Transport Association (Iata) released last Tuesday. In February, all markets recorded strong growth, led by carriers in the Asia-Pacific region, said Iata. International traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, reached 77.5 per cent of February 2019 levels. Iata director-general Willie Walsh said demand for air travel continues to be strong across the globe and particularly in the Asia-Pacific, despite the uncertain economic climate. “The industry is now just about 15 per cent below 2019 levels of demand and that gap is narrowing each month,” he said. “People are flying in ever greater numbers. With the Easter and Passover holidays, we are expecting large numbers of travellers to take to the skies in many parts of the world. They should do so with confidence that airlines have been rebuilding resiliency that suffered owing to the pandemic,” added Mr Walsh. Mr Shukor Yusof, founder of aviation consultancy Endau Analytics, said Changi’s return to the top 10 of world’s busiest airports is a clear sign that it is “slowly restoring its position as a pre-eminent air hub in the region”. “Additionally, it means this is an airport that provides excellent services for transit and for visitors arriving in and departing from Singapore,” he added. Mr Mohshin Aziz, director of Pangolin Aviation Recovery Fund, which invests in aviation businesses, noted that many of Changi’s key destinations such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea had yet to fully open their borders in 2022. These destinations made up around a quarter of Changi’s route network in 2019. “The good news is these countries have finally embraced reopening and carriers are quickly recommencing flights. I am certain that by the end of 2023, Changi’s ranking will climb by a notch or two,” he said. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Changi Airport regains crown, named world’s best airport for 12th time Jetstar begins operations at Changi Airport T4; terminal spruced up with new offerings OAG Aviation’s head of Asia Mayur Patel attributed Singapore’s strong performance to being one of the early Asian countries to reopen in early April 2022, and to the establishment of vaccinated travel lanes prior to that. However, he predicted that the rapid rise of Hong Kong’s air capacity and hub development could outpace Singapore in the next 12 to 18 months. Passenger traffic volumes, flights and city links at Changi are now at about 80 per cent of pre-Covid-19 levels, Transport Minister S. Iswaran said in March, adding that Changi’s passenger traffic should return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, or possibly earlier. Mr Patel expects Changi to hit 90 per cent in these areas in the months to come, with more flights being added to destinations such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. “However, the remaining 10 per cent of the recovery to 2019 levels will take some time, factoring in supply chain issues relating to aircraft delivery... and bilateral arrangements where frequencies to certain city pairs have become restrictive, such as the Singapore-Jakarta route,” he said. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Free Singapore Tour for layover travellers resumes, visits to local residences now included Interactive: Big plans for Changi Airport T5 take off
Singapore still leads the way as the world’s best place to do business Singapore had perfect scores in the areas of policy towards foreign investment and foreign trade and exchange controls. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Clara Chong UPDATED APR 14, 2023, 7:40 PM SGT SINGAPORE – Singapore has retained its position as the world’s leading business environment for the 15th consecutive year and should remain the best place to operate for the next five years, according to a leading market analyst. Canada and Denmark were placed equal second in the annual rankings by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), with four European countries plus the United States, Hong Kong and New Zealand making up the top 10. Regional economies Australia, Taiwan and South Korea made it to the top 20. The EIU weighs up a range of categories to assess how a territory has managed over the previous five years and how it might fare in the following five. It found that Singapore had perfect scores in the areas of policy towards foreign investment and foreign trade and exchange controls. It was also the highest-scoring country in terms of technological readiness, a sign of government policies to develop technology infrastructure and the start-up ecosystem. The Government is also a pioneer in rolling out high-technology solutions throughout public services, the EIU added. Singapore’s score on tax remains stable, but the EIU noted that major changes are in the offing. These include higher indirect taxes and an increase in levies imposed on high-income people and luxury goods consumers in the next few years, while the start of significant rises in carbon taxes later this decade will also have an impact. The labour market remains one of Singapore’s few real weak points, the EIU noted, adding that it expects the country’s score to decrease slightly over the next five years. Although upskilling has been a main focal area among workers, tighter restrictions on foreign labour will worsen staff shortages already hampering many major sectors. The EIU rankings measure the quality or attractiveness of the business environment in 82 countries and economies, and are based not only on historical conditions but also on expectations about the following five years. The model examines 11 categories, such as political and macroeconomic environments and market opportunities. Each category contains a number of indicators that are assessed by the EIU for the past five years and the next five. The biggest improvers over the past year were Vietnam, Thailand, Belgium, Sweden, India and Costa Rica. Vietnam was the overall biggest mover worldwide, climbing 12 spots in the rankings, while Thailand improved by 10 places and India by six. The biggest declines were in China, Bahrain, Chile and Slovakia. China was the biggest loser globally, falling 11 spots from a year earlier. Although the end of the zero-Covid policy was good news for firms operating in China, regulatory changes and rising costs are weighing on the business environment and limiting opportunities for international investors, the EIU added. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Singapore is top Asian city in Smart City Index, ranks 7th worldwide As geopolitics reshape global economy, is Singapore’s financial hub status at risk?
Singapore moves up 2 spots to top world ranking on government effectiveness Singapore was ranked 11th in rule of law, No. 4 in ethical leadership, and No. 2 in property rights. PHOTO: ST FILE Tham Yuen-C Senior Political Correspondent UPDATED 1 HOUR AGO SINGAPORE - Singapore has come out tops in a ranking that tracks the effectiveness of governments around the world, edging out Finland, which has topped the index since it was first published in 2021. What pushed Singapore up from third place on the annual Chandler Good Government Index in the past two editions to the first spot in 2023 was its performance in the pillars of leadership and foresight, strong institutions, financial stewardship, attractive marketplace and helping people rise. But the Republic fared slightly worse in the two pillars of robust laws and policies, and global influence and reputation, than it did in 2022. The Chandler Institute of Governance said its report this year – its third – offers a special focus on how the pillars of good government stand together in the face of a polycrisis, which it defined as a cluster of global crises that interact to produce harms greater than each crisis would individually produce. The mix of a deadly pandemic, bloody war and rampant inflation shone a spotlight on governments that have had to cope with relentless change and uncertainty while maintaining stability and adapting effectively, added the institute, a non-profit organisation headquartered in Singapore. It said Singapore’s Government was able to deliver during turbulent times as it had improved in the areas of implementation, strategic prioritisation and innovation. Singapore’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic was laudable, the institute added, noting that the country outperformed peer countries in its recovery from the pandemic, and the economy surpassed its pre-crisis levels. Coming after Singapore in the top 10 were Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Singapore, Finland, and Norway showed the strongest capacity to manage the risks posed by the polycrisis, said the institute, noting that well-governed countries are more likely to have developed greater resilience to prepare for such crises. The index examines how public institutions come together to prepare for crises, how governments are confronting inflation while sustaining good jobs, and how governments are building more inclusive communities and resilient health systems, among other things. Countries are scored on 35 indicators organised into the seven pillars. It taps more than 50 publicly available global data sources, including from the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, World Justice Project and Yale University. The institute said the most reliable predictors of overall good governance are the indicators capturing the rule of law, ethical leadership and property rights. This was also true for the 2022 and 2021 data, illustrating how fundamental these three components of government are to delivering effective governance, it added. A total of 104 countries – representing about 90 per cent of the world’s population – were evaluated. MORE ON THIS TOPIC What S'pore did well in handling Covid-19 and where there were lapses Ministries outline plans for more inclusive Singapore, sustainable finances and access to justice Singapore was ranked 11th in rule of law, No. 4 in ethical leadership, and No. 2 in property rights. Good government is also closely correlated with several important outcomes that are national goals and priorities for many countries, such as reducing extreme inequality, said the institute. This suggests that well-governed countries are better prepared to achieve shared prosperity and fairer, more inclusive societies. Mr Christian Bason, chief executive officer of the Danish Design Centre and a member of the index’s global advisory panel, said the enduring key role of ethical leadership points to the responsibility of public decision-makers to uphold high standards of integrity and to empathise with the citizens and societies they work for. He added: “Ethical leadership should, however, also be seen in the wider context of leadership and foresight. Perhaps most important at a time of polycrisis is the ability to collaboratively foster new visions of what a good society looks like. After all, if you can imagine it, then you can design it.” In 2023, Asian countries including Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Cambodia and South Korea made gains on the index, demonstrating improved public-sector capabilities and performance, said the institute. Middle-income countries also experienced the greatest movement on the index, with Vietnam, North Macedonia, the Kyrgyz Republic and Kenya showing the biggest improvements. Mr Wu Wei Neng, executive director of the institute, which works with governments through training programmes and projects, said the index’s methodology focuses on technocratic capabilities and skills, rather than political ideologies. “We want the index to be a practical tool to support more effective governance and public service delivery for all countries, regardless of their system of government or income level. It is encouraging to see positive movement in the rankings among middle-income countries, and a number of countries in Asia,” he added.
Singapore rebuts UN Human Rights Office comments on drug trafficker’s hanging All persons sentenced to capital punishment in Singapore are accorded full due process under the law, said Singapore's Permanent Mission to the UN. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Natasha Ann Zachariah Correspondent UPDATED APR 28, 2023, 11:10 PM SGT SINGAPORE – All persons sentenced to capital punishment in Singapore are accorded full due process under the law, and capital punishment has helped to deter serious crimes, said the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations in Geneva in a statement on Friday. It added that countries have the sovereign right to choose the approach that best suits their own circumstances, and Singapore will continue to implement evidence-based measures that have worked well for it in the fight against drugs. The permanent mission was responding to comments from the United Nations Human Rights Office on the execution of convicted drug trafficker Tangaraju Suppiah, who was hanged on April 26. The 46-year-old Singaporean was convicted in 2018 of abetting the trafficking of 1,017.9g of cannabis – an amount that is more than twice the capital threshold. During a press briefing on April 25, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesman Ravina Shamdasani had urged Singapore’s authorities not to proceed with Tangaraju’s execution, and raised concerns around “due process and respect for fair trial guarantees”. She called on the Singapore Government to adopt a formal moratorium on executions for drug-related offences, and to ensure the right to a fair trial for all defendants in line with its international obligations. On Friday, the permanent mission responded that all persons sentenced to capital punishment in Singapore are accorded full due process under the law, and that a capital sentence is imposed only after a rigorous legal process with stringent safeguards. Every capital sentence imposed must be examined and confirmed by the Court of Appeal, regardless of whether the convicted person appeals against the conviction or sentence, it said. On the issue of the death penalty as a deterrence, it added that capital punishment has worked to discourage drug traffickers from bringing in large amounts of drugs. It cited a 2021 public perception survey commissioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which polled more than 7,200 people from countries in the region where most of the drug traffickers arrested by Singapore authorities originated. The study reported that 87 per cent of respondents believed capital punishment makes people not want to traffic substantial amounts of drugs into Singapore; and 83 per cent believed that capital punishment is more effective than life imprisonment in discouraging people from trafficking drugs into Singapore. The permanent mission said that Ms Shamdasani’s comments “glossed over” the serious harms that drugs cause, which is “regrettable”. It pointed out that drug abuse is a pervasive problem with severe consequences for individuals and entire societies, including social, economic and health-related issues. “Singapore cannot afford such a high cost to our society and our people,” it said. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Richard Branson disrespecting S’pore’s judicial system with death penalty allegations: MHA S'pore's death penalty for drug trafficking saves lives, Shanmugam tells BBC
ST wins top awards, including best in Asia-Pacific for World Cup project, at Inma Global Media Awards (From left) ST’s video editor E-von Yeung, ST Now editor Lee Yulin and audience growth editor Ng Kai Ling collecting the awards at the Harvard Club in New York City, on May 26. PHOTO: INMA Anjali Raguraman Correspondent UPDATED MAY 27, 2023, 10:35 PM SGT SINGAPORE - The Straits Times bagged several awards, including the best in Asia-Pacific prize for a World Cup 2022 interactive special, at the annual International News Media Association (Inma) Global Media Awards in New York on Friday. Winners across 20 categories were announced at the awards ceremony at the Harvard Club, with Norwegian daily Bergens Tidende taking the top honour of global best in show. ST’s World Cup 2022 “hat-trick” package of three interactive specials won first place under the national brands category for best idea to encourage reader engagement, beating out projects by American daily USA Today, which placed second; and Italian daily Corriere della Sera, which placed third. The project also clinched the Best in Asia-Pacific title, surpassing other finalists from the region. The three-part special which was published in the lead-up to the football tournament in Qatar, featured an interactive on the Top 5 most iconic goals scored in Fifa World Cup history; a Goal of the Day game; as well as an interactive exploring the anatomy of World Cup chants. The special on iconic goals put together by interactive graphics editor Rodolfo Pazos and his team, alongside sports correspondent Sazali Abdul Aziz – used augmented reality to break down historic goals that inspired and astonished. It provided in-depth analysis on goals, including the likes of Diego Maradona’s “Goal of the Century” for Argentina against England at the 1986 World Cup, that was fleshed out with accounts from the players themselves. The special on iconic goals used augmented reality to break down historic goals that inspired and astonished. The popular Goal of the Day game allowed readers to play in first person, and relive some of the most memorable goals of the 2022 World Cup. The interactive feature was also updated after each game during the tournament to reflect the results, and now serves as an interactive repository of the Qatar World Cup’s best goals. The popular Goal of the Day game allowed readers to play in first person, and relive some of the most memorable goals of the 2022 World Cup. Combining data visualisation and analysis with audio, the third special in the package took a closer look at the world’s most iconic football chants. It was put together by Mr Pazos’ team and digital graphics journalist Christopher Udemans, together with executive sub-editor Dilenjit Singh. Readers could select a country to hear its chant - from England’s England ‘till I Die, to South Korea’s Daehan Minguk - accompanied by an analysis of factors like length, repetition, overall complexity, and themes of the chant. Combining data visualisation and analysis with audio, the third special in the package took a closer look at the world’s most iconic football chants. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Play our Goal of the Day game Interactive: Top 5 most iconic goals scored in Fifa World Cup history Interactive: What makes a World Cup football chant iconic? Separately, an interactive feature on living inside and outside with dementia in Singapore took third place under the national brands category, for best use of visual journalism and storytelling tools. First place went to Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, while second spot went to Argentina’s La Nacion. The cross-desk collaboration – put together by data visualisation editor Rebecca Pazos, Life correspondent Akshita Nanda, video producers Renee Poh and Jordan Lee, and digital graphics journalist Charlene Chua – sought to change narratives about dementia, and highlight both the positive and negative sides of the illness. Data visualisation was a key tool in this campaign to capture the nuances of age data across neighbourhoods in Singapore. It also used photogrammetry, or a technique used to obtain 3D digital models by taking overlapping photographs of an object or area, to explore the inside of a home and how its set-up can help a person with dementia live longer with the illness. The project also featured a seamless, real-life to 3D transition for exploring Singapore’s first dementia-friendly neighbourhood. The impact of the feature extended to the community. The two dementia advocates featured in the project - Ms Alison Lim and Mr Anjang Rosli - were also nominated for the ST Singaporean of the Year 2022 Award. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Meet the people banding together to build dementia-friendly communities in Singapore Can you spot a scam? Find out how well you know 6 common scams in S'pore ST’s Stop Scams campaign, which sought to educate the public about the scourge of scams and scammers, received an honourable mention in the best public relations or community service campaign category. The campaign spanned several media formats, including an interactive feature, videos and podcasts, extending to a webinar and roving exhibition. While the videos gave a face and voice to victims of scams, the podcasts raised greater public awareness in Singapore and globally, to highlight the latest scam tactics, trends and ways the authorities are dealing with scams. ST editor Jaime Ho said: “We’re deeply grateful for the affirmation of the ground-breaking work that The Straits Times newsroom produces. “Even as we recognise the best work of our journalists, these awards are also shared by the entire newsroom, as they drive each of us to explore new heights in the stories we tell, and how we tell them.”
The Straits Times wins 51 awards in global competition recognising the best in visual storytelling The Straits Times has bagged a total of 51 awards at the Society for News Design awards, including a coveted gold on the digital front. PHOTO: ST GRAPHICS UPDATED MAY 31, 2023, 7:40 PM SGT SINGAPORE - With environmental concerns – and the world – heating up, going green is the fashionable thing to do. But how much do you really know about fashion going green? Speaking of the world, how about reliving the best goals from World Cup 2022, or even attempting to score them yourself? From sustainability to sports, The Straits Times has taken its readers through new realms of storytelling in digital and print – bagging 51 awards in an annual contest that seeks out the best in visual storytelling globally. The United States-based Society for News Design announced this week the results of its annual Best of News Design Creative Competition. The competition honours excellence in visual storytelling, design and journalism produced throughout the previous year, with 47 visual journalists across 35 organisations worldwide represented in the judging panel. On the digital front, ST clinched one gold, two silvers, eight bronzes and 27 awards of excellence, while up against other heavy hitters such as The New York Times, South China Morning Post and Reuters, among more than 80 companies. For its work in print, ST also received 13 awards of excellence, including five in the combination print and digital category. “These awards are a unique recognition of The Straits Times newsroom’s ability to deliver the best journalism, not just through compelling online and interactive experiences, but also via what print can offer as an unparalleled reader experience,” said ST editor Jaime Ho. “We are honoured, and will continue with the hard work of exploring new content, and new ways of storytelling.” The coveted gold award – a first for ST Digital – went to the visual storytelling project, Going beyond the label: Is your eco-friendly shirt really green? It gives a close look into the fashion and textile sector and whether “eco-friendly” clothing is truly sustainable. Journalists Stephanie Adeline, Amanda Chai, Bryandt Lyn, Bhavya Rawat and Sylvia Quek worked closely with digital designers Joseph Ricafort, Charlotte Tan and Ng Shin Yi, as well as executive artist Billy Ker and data visualisation editor Rebecca Pazos, on the project. “Every single idea within various portions of the story is executed with precision, allowing for a seamless and engaging experience,” said the judging panel on the elements of its animation design. “The clever use of stop motion not only adds a touch of brilliance but also effectively breaks up the page, creating visual interest.” The project also bagged a silver for its smooth, fluid visuals, with the judges lauding the “exceptional skill” in the execution of its stop-motion elements. “It fearlessly pushes boundaries while maintaining a seamless execution,” said the judges, adding that the visuals were “a joy to go through”. “At no point does one question any of the design choices; they all come together harmoniously.” MORE ON THIS TOPIC Greenwashing: Is your eco-friendly shirt really green? Play our Goal of the Day game The other silver award won by ST was for the interactive Qatar World Cup portfolio 2022. Readers can relive the best goals in the tournament, before attempting to score the goals themselves through an animated recreation of the events. The number of awards won was a significant jump from the 28 digital awards last year, which was ST’s biggest haul at the time, with three silver medals, six bronze medals and 19 awards of excellence. Mr Rodolfo Pazos, who oversees ST’s digital graphics team, noted that the results highlighted the team’s dedication towards providing high-quality visual journalism. “The remarkable success in the digital category demonstrates our consistent ability to deliver. It is a significant achievement, placing us among the world’s best for the second consecutive year,” he said. Four out of the eight bronze awards went to multimedia articles exploring the lives of those living with dementia, both inside and outside their homes, as well as to Mrs Pazos for her works. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Meet the people banding together to build dementia-friendly communities in Singapore Interactive: How a loving son created a dementia-friendly home for his dad The rest of the bronzes went to projects on what students envision climate change will be like in the future, the world’s most iconic football spectator chants, and the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on food prices in Singapore, as well as to Ms Adeline for her work on information graphics. “It’s inspiring to see our hard work in making information more accessible and engaging to the digital audience recognised by the best in the industry,” said Ms Adeline. The collaborative effort that culminated in the deep dive into the fashion industry and sustainability was a “masterclass in pushing boundaries”, while educating readers on a topic that can be difficult to explain, she added. Ms Ong Hwee Hwee, associate editor for product and audience growth, said: “The winning projects span a diverse range of topics – from climate change and culture, to sport and social issues.” The awards reflect ST’s efforts in expanding the depth and breadth of its coverage, she said. “We are honoured to be recognised among other outstanding works from the best in the industry.” MORE ON THIS TOPIC Hear what kids really think about their future with climate change Interactive: How the Ukraine war is making this S'pore hawker dish more expensive
ST’s winning works 1. Going beyond the label: Is your eco-friendly shirt really green? Gold, Elements: Animation design Silver, Infographics: Environment & Science Award of Excellence: Environment & Science VIEW MORE HERE 2. Qatar World Cup portfolio 2022 Silver, Line of Coverage: Sports VIEW MORE HERE 3. We asked primary school kids to imagine their future with climate change Bronze, Environment & Science VIEW MORE HERE 4. Living With Dementia Bronze, Design: Health Bronze, Infographics: Health Award of Excellence, Infographics: Regional/local Bronze, Infographics: Regional/local Award of Excellence, Infographics: Health VIEW MORE HERE 5. How the Russia-Ukraine war is making your plate of orh luak more expensive Bronze, Elements: Video design Award of Excellence, Infographics: International VIEW MORE HERE 6. Sounds of the stadium: The anatomy of a World Cup chant Bronze, Design: Sports Award of Excellence, Infographics: Sports Award of Excellence, Elements: Audio design VIEW MORE HERE 7. Lord of the wings Award of Excellence, Combination Print & Digital VIEW MORE HERE 8. 55 years of NS Award of Excellence, Combination Print & Digital VIEW MORE HERE 9. Building blocks for a fairer, greener Singapore Award of Excellence, Opinion Pages VIEW MORE HERE MORE ON THIS TOPIC ST wins top awards, including best in Asia-Pacific for World Cup project, at Inma Global Media Awards ST scores biggest haul at global contest; Save the Merlion, HDB flats in 3D among winners
Commentary: What a potential Tharman presidency could mean for Singapore’s incoming leadership Nuria Ling/TODAY Beyond contributing to global organisations with his experience and expertise, Mr Tharman’s international roles have enhanced Singapore’s credibility and reputation. NICHOLAS FANG Published June 9, 2023 Updated June 9, 2023 he announcement that Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam intends to run for the Singapore presidency took many by surprise, and has generated much chatter about the potential impact on the political scene, the impending presidential election, and even the next general election. But it is worthwhile to consider the longer-term effect of his decision and, if elected, his assumption of the role of president and its impact on the country’s leadership transition, expected to take place in the next few years. Singapore faces a general election before November 2025, with many pundits expecting it to take place sooner. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has declared his intention to hand over to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, in the country’s first leadership transition in some 20 years. All eyes, both domestically and internationally, will be on the incoming prime minister and the leadership team he will form, collectively dubbed the 4G or fourth-generation leaders. READ ALSO SM Tharman Shanmugaratnam to contest Singapore's upcoming Presidential Election, intends to resign from Cabinet While the role of the president is above politics, a potential President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will likely have an impact on the direction of the country, through the dynamics between him and the new leaders, and how voters view the executive and the elected presidency in tandem. A GLOBAL HEAVYWEIGHT It would be an understatement to say that Mr Tharman is a heavyweight domestically and internationally, in terms of his experience and accomplishments. Currently serving as Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, he is also chairman of the Singapore central bank. He has also been Deputy Prime Minister, education minister, finance minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies since he joined politics in 2001, and has been deputy chairman of sovereign wealth fund GIC, among other major roles. Internationally, he has led several international councils focused on economic and financial reforms. He chaired a G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance, and co-chaired a High-Level Independent Panel on Global Financing focused on pandemic preparedness and response for the grouping. READ ALSO SM Tharman Shanmugaratnam — his journey from a student activist to an international statesman He also chaired the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the key policy forum of the International Monetary Fund, for four years, and was the first Asian to take on the role. Significantly, he was elected to that position by a grouping of his international peers, indicating the high esteem in which he is held around the world. Previously, he was also the chairman of the Group of Thirty, an independent global council of leading economic and financial policy-makers. Beyond contributing to global organisations with his experience and expertise, Mr Tharman’s international roles have enhanced Singapore’s credibility and reputation, ensuring that the small country remains relevant and attractive to investors and the global community as a whole. A BOON FOR THE 4G Comparatively, the next generation of Singapore leaders has not had the years of experience and accomplishments of Mr Tharman and his 3G colleagues. His role as president would thus be important when it comes to shoring up Singapore’s reputation in the years ahead, given his standing and the respect he commands from the international community. For the 4G leaders, this could potentially mean the presence of a senior statesman-like figure as the president who would already be equipped with the skills and experience to represent the country as they establish themselves in their own right. READ ALSO PM Lee says confident that Tharman will exercise President's duties 'scrupulously' and with 'independence of mind' if elected Mr Tharman’s international stature would also create opportunities for him to maintain and build ties with global partners that are essential for Singapore’s continued success on the international stage. At the same time, the president, as head of state, also exercises important custodial powers when it comes to approving the use of the country’s past reserves and making certain critical appointments. Though the president does not have direct sway on government policies or decisions, having a steady hand like Mr Tharman in the Istana may be reassuring to international observers, partners, investors and even voters who will be watching Singapore’s future direction under the new leadership. His wealth of experience when it comes to economics and finance and his track record in key positions in the Cabinet means that he is a known quantity in those areas, and will likely reinforce the view that Singapore will remain on a steady course going forward, with him being on hand to offer counsel when sought by the government.
SHADE OF A BIG TREE Acclaimed 19th-century Romanian artist and sculptor Constantin Brancusi once said: “Nothing grows well in the shade of a big tree.” With a leader of Mr Tharman’s stature as president, there is the possibility that he could cast a long shadow on incoming leaders of the country trying to find their feet, once the transition takes place. READ ALSO SM Tharman hopes to project Singapore's 'voice of reason' globally and be unifying figure domestically, if elected as president While the People’s Action Party government has always maintained that the strength of its leadership of the country stems from its team approach to governing as opposed to reliance on any one figure, the president’s role can be crucial, especially in times of crises such as the recent pandemic. Having as experienced and established a leader as Mr Tharman as president could be both a boon and a bane for the 4G leadership, given that he could play an important role in rallying or reassuring the people in difficult times. At the same time, his popularity and existing place in peoples’ hearts mean he could potentially outshine other leaders. He has been known to be an extremely popular leader to many Singaporeans, with a 2016 poll showing he was the top choice among respondents to be prime minister. Besides being viewed as fair and inclusive, a big factor is his known streak of independence, a point Mr Tharman alluded to when he spoke to reporters on Thursday (June 8), saying this trait would help him be a unifying figure as president for all Singaporeans. PM Lee, too, in his letter to Mr Tharman, said he believes the latter would exercise the president’s role with his “independence of mind”. One might argue — and some might even hope — that with someone of Mr Tharman’s stature, the odds are higher that he would offer differing and independent opinions on how Singapore should deal with challenges in an increasingly complex world. But could this independence of mind lead to public disagreements between him and the executive? Many still remember the open dispute between late President Ong Teng Cheong in the 1990s and the then government over access to information regarding Singapore’s reserves. The bigger question though is not whether there will be disagreements, but more on how both sides resolve them without it spilling over and negatively impacting the public's view of a fledgling executive and the presidency. It should be emphasised that there is no sign at all that there could be any conflict between Mr Tharman and his parliamentary colleagues, and the former avid sportsman and combined schools hockey player has been the epitome of a team player throughout his political career. Indeed, PM Lee credited Mr Tharman with helping him to mentor and groom the next generation of ministers in his role as Senior Minister. But as economists know well, the future can be hard to predict. The impending leadership transition has already been less than completely smooth following the stepping back of DPM Heng Swee Keat from the presumptive role as successor to PM Lee. Mr Tharman’s closeness to the incumbent government and his status as a PAP stalwart may also see him positioned as “the establishment candidate”, earning the ire of those who are less than satisfied with the ruling party. So while Mr Tharman has stated clearly that he hopes to be a unifying figure to ensure that the Singapore system remains strong, stakeholders would do well to continue to watch developments closely, as the upcoming presidential election plays out, and Singapore transitions to the 4G leadership team. The relationship between the next president and Cabinet will be a key factor to watch. Mr Tharman told reporters that he hopes to contribute amid a fundamentally more uncertain environment globally, leveraging on his ability, experiences and standing in economics, finance, and international affairs. Using a sporting analogy, he said he likes to “guard the pack” and “plan the game” stemming from his preference for defensive positions playing different sports in his schooling days. These are skill sets Singaporeans will hope to see from Mr Tharman in achieving his aim of preserving and strengthening the Singapore system amid an increasingly complex and complicated world. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nicholas Fang is a former Nominated Member of Parliament. He is the founder and managing director of strategic consultancy Black Dot.
