Spirit Airlines Goes Bust After Surge in Fuel Prices
Spirit Airlines announced an abrupt suspension of its operations after a sharp surge in jet fuel prices crippled its cash flow. The carrier, known for ultra‑low fares, said the unexpected cost spike left it unable to meet operating expenses, forcing it to ground flights nationwide. The fallout was immediate: thousands of passengers were left at airports with no flights, and the airline rescinded previously promised accommodations, Uber rides, and meal vouchers. One traveler recounted being told the airline would provide hotels and food, only to have the offer withdrawn, leaving a family of three young children stranded overnight. "We were told we’d get hotels, Uber, and food vouchers, then they canceled," the passenger said, highlighting the abrupt reversal of support. The incident underscores how quickly a low‑margin carrier can become insolvent when fuel costs rise sharply. Analysts warn that Spirit’s collapse could trigger broader scrutiny of the low‑cost model’s resilience, prompting airlines to reassess fuel‑hedging strategies and regulators to consider consumer‑protection measures for stranded travelers.
The Motorcyclist Who Went Through 9 Surgical Operations After a Near-Fatal Crash.
The video follows a motorcyclist who survived a near‑fatal collision that required nine surgical operations and years of rehabilitation. Traveling at roughly 25 km/h, he was struck when a lorry abruptly changed lanes at a stop sign, throwing him onto the...
The Mystery of Chongqing Grilled Fish’s Origin Story - and Why It Matters | Asian Insider Podcast
The Asian Insider podcast explores the contested origins of kaoyu, the iconic grilled fish from Chongqing, and why the debate matters beyond culinary curiosity. Host Lee Shui Ying interviews Straits Times correspondent Au Ching‑Wei, who traced the dish from river‑side...
3 New Tuberculosis Clusters Detected in Bedok; Risk to Residents Remains Low
The Ministry of Health disclosed three new tuberculosis clusters centred around the east‑side 216 market and nearby residential blocks in Bedok, prompting a precautionary mandate that hawkers, stallholders and market employees undergo blood testing. The announcement aims to contain potential...
President’s Challenge to Double the Number of Programmes It Supports in 2026 to 121
The President’s Challenge announced a major expansion, aiming to support 121 programmes by 2026—roughly double the portfolio from the previous year. The initiative marks a strategic pivot from one‑off grants to multi‑year, sustained funding. Under the new model, 62 brand‑new programmes...
Companies Supporting Women Who Take Time Off to Be with the Child Should Be the Norm: Indranee
Indranee urged Singaporean firms to make extended parental leave the norm, allowing women to stay home with newborns for up to 18 months or longer without fearing career setbacks. She emphasized that a supportive, guilt‑free environment should replace the current...
In Conversation: Shannon Tan, ST Athlete of the Year 2025
Shannon Tan was named the Straits Times Athlete of the Year for 2025, becoming the first golfer to claim the award since its inception in 2008. At 21, she capped a banner season on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with...
'Why Is He Speaking to Me in English?’: Chinese Woman Kicked Off AirAsia Flight After Row with Crew
AirAsia delayed a Chongqing‑Kuala Lumpur flight for over an hour on April 22 after a Chinese passenger was removed following a dispute with cabin crew. The disagreement began when the attendant asked the traveler to lower her phone volume and...
Is Singapore’s only Surf Spot Under Threat?
Singapore’s only recognized surf break, known locally as Lang Point, is under imminent threat as the government moves forward with the Long Island land‑reclamation project. The initiative will extend three new strips of land from Marina East to Tanamera, fundamentally...
![[FULL] DPM Gan on Maintaining Open Trade Routes, Safeguarding S’pore’s Energy Security](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9ihVYTqEsJY/maxresdefault.jpg)
[FULL] DPM Gan on Maintaining Open Trade Routes, Safeguarding S’pore’s Energy Security
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Gan used a town‑hall‑style briefing to outline how Singapore will safeguard its maritime trade routes and energy supplies amid a fragmented global trading system. He stressed the legal right of transit passage through international straits, noting that...
Traffic Police on the Aftermath of Fatal Crashes
The video features two Singapore traffic police officers describing the painful process that follows fatal road accidents. They recount how they must inform grieving families, manage the condition of the deceased, and navigate procedural requirements, illustrating the human side of...
SM Lee Tells S’poreans to Do Their Part to Conserve Energy as Iran War Continues
Singapore Minister SM Lee used a recent briefing to warn Singaporeans that the ongoing Iran war could trigger prolonged energy disruptions. While the conflict may end abruptly, the nation cannot instantly revert to pre‑war energy levels; months or even years...
‘Proud to Be Part of the Team’: SIA Crew on Middle East Repatriation Flights
Singapore Airlines (SIA) mobilised a dedicated team to operate repatriation flights from the Middle East, bringing stranded expatriates back to Singapore amid regional disruptions. The operation, described by crew members as a "small role" with a big impact, highlighted the...
‘Proud to Be Part of the Team’: SIA Crew on Middle East Repatriation Flights
Singapore Airlines (SIA) operated two repatriation flights from Muscat in March, bringing home Singaporean citizens and their dependents amid heightened Middle East tensions. Upon landing at Changi Airport, passengers and crew shared emotional moments, with a young passenger’s daughter thanking...
S'pore Schools to Get Additional Resources Including Manpower to Tackle Bullying
The Singapore Ministry of Education unveiled a plan to bolster schools with extra resources aimed at curbing bullying and other hurtful behaviour. Under the scheme, schools will receive additional manpower such as social workers, partners from social‑service agencies, and staff for...
S’pore Ready to Counter Threat From Iran and Its Proxies: Shanmugam
Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam warned that Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies are expanding attacks beyond the Middle East, prompting Singapore to bolster its counter‑terrorism posture. He noted that IRGC‑linked groups have struck Israel and Gulf states,...
Ong Ye Kung on New Brisk Walking Initiative in Sembawang and Anti-Vaping Laws
Minister Ong Ye Kung unveiled the "Let's Jalan" initiative, a brisk‑walking campaign targeting Sembawang residents, with the aim of expanding to the rest of Singapore once proven effective. The program responds to higher hypertension and diabetes rates in the north, where...
Singapore’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year on Leading a Healthcare Family Business | Lunch with Sumiko
The video features Sumiko Tan interviewing Chin Wei Jia, Group CEO of HMI Medical, who was named Singapore’s EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. HMI, a regional healthcare group spanning Singapore and Malaysia, grew from a modest hospital founded by...
No Shortage of Opportunities in Asia Post-Iran Crisis: Expert View | Asian Insider Podcast
The Asian Insider podcast examined how the Iran‑Israel conflict is reshaping macro‑economic dynamics across Asia. Host Ravi Velur and Maybank Securities’ Tillan Wickramasinghe argued that energy, once a peripheral concern, has re‑emerged as the dominant driver, while the U.S. dollar...
Vivian Balakrishnan on Why S'pore Doesn’t Negotiate with Iran for Safe Passage of Ships
Vivian Balakrishnan explained that Singapore’s strategic position at the narrowest point of the Straits of Singapore—under two nautical miles—makes it a vital maritime chokepoint, even more constrained than the Strait of Hormuz. He highlighted that a larger share of global...
S’pore Has Not Taken Measures to Cut Back on Electricity Use: Shanmugam
Singapore’s government has acknowledged that, unlike many nations, it has not yet taken concrete steps to curb electricity consumption. Minister K. Shanmugam outlined the need for a coordinated, inter‑ministerial approach before any cuts can be imposed, emphasizing that the issue...
Iran Conflict Keeps Middle Eastern Travellers Away From Thailand
The video highlights how the ongoing conflict in Iran and broader Middle‑East tensions are deterring regional travelers from visiting Thailand, leaving popular tourist streets eerily empty. Hotel managers note a 90% plunge in Middle‑Eastern guests, prompting urgent concerns about revenue...
India’s $70 Billion Spiritual Market Fueled by Bhajan Clubbing | Asian Insider Podcast
The Asian Insider podcast spotlights India’s burgeoning $70 billion spiritual economy, focusing on the phenomenon dubbed “bhajan clubbing” – devotional hymns re‑imagined with EDM, rock and disco beats and staged in stadium‑sized concerts. Reporters note that the trend is youth‑driven, offering a...
Love Grilled Fish or Kaoyu? Here’s a Must-Visit Spot in Chongqing
The video spotlights Wanzhou, a district of Chongqing that has become synonymous with kaoyu – a spicy grilled fish specialty – and recommends a single destination for enthusiasts. In 2018, China’s food and catering authority named Wanzhou the nation’s kaoyu capital....
Use of AI in Schools to Be More Coordinated Across Institutes of Higher Learning with New Committee
The government announced the formation of a new committee dedicated to artificial intelligence in higher education, signaling a systemic push to harmonize AI initiatives across universities, polytechnics and other institutes of higher learning. Chaired by a senior minister of state, Dr....
Singapore to Introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) Into Formal Education
Singapore announced a phased rollout of artificial‑intelligence tools in its formal education system, beginning with Primary 4 students and expanding gradually through secondary and higher‑learning institutions. The Ministry of Education will introduce AI under close supervision, limiting exposure at early...
PSLE Companion Podcast: How to Use Spaced Repetition for Memory and Recall
The PSLE Companion podcast features Mark Pung, founder of PSLE Ninja, explaining how spaced repetition—also called retrieval practice—can transform exam preparation for Singapore’s primary school leaving exam. Drawing on his experience raising two children and studying Nordic education systems, Pung...
RSAF Pilots Saw Projectile During Middle East Repatriation Flight
The video details a Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) repatriation sortie over the Middle East in which pilots observed an unidentified projectile during a night flight. The crew’s immediate reaction was shock, but a rapid safety assessment concluded that aircraft...
Inside the RSAF Mission to Bring Singaporeans Home
The video details the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) operation to fly stranded Singaporeans home from Saudi Arabia amid regional hostilities. After spotting a distant projectile, the crew assessed the threat, consulted HQ, and deemed the flight safe, launching a...
Price Impact a Concern: PM Wong on Middle East Conflict
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong told parliament Singapore is closely monitoring the Middle East conflict, emphasizing that price volatility is the immediate concern for the city‑state’s economy. He warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would amplify energy...
Trump Says Iran ‘Afraid’ to Admit It Wants a Deal, Tehran Says No Negotiations
President Donald Trump used a recent interview to argue that Iran is secretly desperate for a nuclear deal, but fears both domestic backlash and U.S. retaliation. He portrayed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions as a "cancer" that the United States must excise,...
Pressing Questions with Minister Grace Fu
In a recent interview, Singapore’s Minister for the Environment and Water, Grace Fu, outlined the city‑state’s multi‑pronged approach to climate resilience, covering heat mitigation, coastal protection and food‑security safeguards. Fu emphasized three pillars for heat adaptation: building better‑shaded public spaces, re‑programming...
This Primary 5 Student Earns up to $200 for Each Busking Gig
The video profiles Shayne, a ten‑year‑old Primary 5 student in Singapore who earns up to $200 for each street‑busking performance. His piano renditions attract large crowds, and his growing TikTok and Instagram following have turned him into a local sensation. Shayne’s...
BTS Wraps up First Comeback Concert with Fan Favourites
BTS wrapped up its first comeback concert after a year‑long hiatus, delivering a two‑hour show that blended beloved classics with tracks from their latest album. The setlist highlighted fan‑requested songs such as “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance,” while debuting new...
POV: You’re Watching BTS Perform New Arirang Album in Seoul
The video captures a point‑of‑view experience of BTS’s live showcase of their new "Arirang" album in Seoul, filmed from the audience’s perspective. The concert marks the first public performance of several tracks from the album, featuring elaborate stage design that...
Singapore’s Energy Stockpiles Can Last for Months Amid Iran War Crisis: Tan See Leng
Singapore's Energy Minister Tan See Leng warned of a "bumpy ride" as the Iran‑Israel conflict threatens regional fuel supplies, emphasizing the nation's preparedness. He said Singapore's strategic reserves can cover several months of demand, but the city‑state's limited land hampers expanding...
Doctor Who Started Clinic for People with Intellectual Disabilities Is ST Singaporean of the Year
The Straits Times named Dr. Chun Sherling Singaporean of the Year 2025, recognizing his three‑decade‑long effort to establish a dedicated clinic for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. His work focuses on delivering health care with dignity and building...
Disney Legend Lea Salonga Sings Reflection Live at Marina Bay
Disney legend Lea Salonga, the singing voice behind Mulan and Jasmine, performed her signature song “Reflection” live at Marina Bay on March 13. The concert was part of the celebrations for the maiden voyage of Disney Adventure, Disney’s newest cruise...
Teenage Siblings Operating Their Own Ramadan Bazaar Stall: Smashed Jr
Teenage siblings debuted their first food stall, SmashedJr by Dlailaz, at the Bazaar Raya Utara 2026 near Admiralty MRT station. The pop‑up offers smashed burgers, roti john, pani puri, and a senior‑focused serawa durian dish. While the pair will return...
Opportunities for SE Asia in the AI Race Between US and China | Asian Insider Podcast
The Asian Insider podcast explores how Southeast Asia can navigate the accelerating AI competition between the United States and China. Host Ravi Velloor and economist Dr. Khor Hoe Ee discuss the transition from the Fourth to the Fifth Industrial Revolution,...
Iran's Supreme Leader Vows to Avenge Martyrs, Keep Strait Closed
On March 12, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared that the country will continue fighting and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut. The statement, read on state television, marks his first public remarks since assuming the role after...
Students Return to Singapore From Middle East on RSAF Repatriation Flight
Singapore’s air force conducted a repatriation flight to bring students back from the Middle East after weeks of constant sirens, missile interceptions and nightly explosions, which left many feeling unsafe and eager to return home. The students described hearing sirens “all...
Trump: US Has ‘Won’ in Iran but Must ‘Finish the Job’
President Donald Trump told a crowd in Kentucky that the United States has "won" its strategic contest with Iran, but cautioned that the mission is not complete. He emphasized that the U.S. cannot pull back prematurely if it wants to...
Singaporeans Arrive Home on First RSAF Repatriation Flight From Middle East
On March 11, the Republic of Singapore Air Force flew 218 Singaporeans and their dependents home from Riyadh on an A330 multi‑role tanker transport. The flight marked the first RSAF‑led repatriation from the Middle East after travel disruptions. A second...
Excited Fans Board Disney Adventure on Its Maiden Voyage From S’pore
The video captures excitement surrounding the maiden voyage of Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Adventure, which set sail from Singapore. It is notable as the first Disney cruise to feature a roller coaster, positioning the vessel as the largest...
Gan Kim Yong on the Impact of Trump’s Potential New 15% Tariffs on Singapore
Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, addressed the looming impact of President Trump’s announced 15% across‑the‑board tariffs on Singapore. He noted that despite a robust 5% growth in 2025, exports to the United States have already slipped nearly 9%,...