Singapore morning news for January 2, 2019

Spore’s 2018 economic growth above expectations, but major uncertainties lie ahead: PM Lee
Singapore’s economy could grow at a slower pace in 2019 amid global uncertainties, but the Republic enters its bicentennial year with “renewed vigour and purpose”, as a strong team of younger political leaders is gradually taking over the reins of government.
— Today Online

Singapore, Malaysia foreign ministers to meet Jan 8 amid airspace, maritime dispute
Singapore and Malaysia’s foreign ministers will meet in Singapore on Jan 8, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Tuesday (Jan 1). It comes as the two countries are locked in a dispute over territorial waters and airspace.
— Channel News Asia

Singapore Q4 growth seen steady at 2.3%, but trade war casts shadow: Poll
Singapore’s economy likely maintained a steady pace of growth in the fourth quarter as the manufacturing sector outperformed forecasts, but simmering trade tensions between the United States and China could slow the momentum next year.
— The Straits Times

When SMEs team up to thrive, expand overseas
While it can be a dog-eat-dog world in business, a group of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have decided to work together for mutual benefit, instead of competing over the same turf.
— The Straits Times (paywall)

Singapore raises concerns with Malaysia over establishment of permanent restricted area over Pasir Gudang
Singapore has raised concerns over Malaysia’s establishment of a permanent restricted area in the airspace over Pasir Gudang with effect from Jan 2, Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Tuesday (Jan 1).
— Channel News Asia

Singapore, Malaysia foreign ministers to meet in Singapore on Jan 8
Singapore and Malaysia’s foreign ministers will meet in Singapore on Jan 8, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said on Tuesday in response to media queries, adding that there are also plans for the transport ministers to meet soon.
— The Business Times

More than 50 firefighters battle blaze at waste recycling facility in Tuas
Fifty-five firefighters and 13 emergency vehicles were deployed after aÂ fire broke out at a waste recycling facility at 8 Tuas View Circuit on Tuesday (Jan 1) morning, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said.
— Channel News Asia

Commentary: The year Singapore attempts to snuff out tobacco
A slew of aggressive measures have been introduced in 2018 to drive down the smoking rate. Will Singapore succeed in stamping out smoking?
— Channel News Asia

Smoking ban for Orchard Road kicks in
Orchard Road is now smoke-free, as a precinct-wide smoking ban kicked in on Tuesday (Jan 1) prohibiting smokers from lighting up in public areas except within designated smoking areas (DSAs).
— Straits Times

Singapore 2019 Budget Statement set for Feb 18
The Singapore Budget Statement 2019 will be delivered on Monday, Feb 18, by Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat in Parliament, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a statement on Tuesday.
— The Business Times

SG’s economy expected to grow in 2019 despite major global uncertainties
The year 2018 ended with Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding to 3.3%. Using this level of growth, the country is forecasted to grow by 1.5% to 3.5% this year, PM Lee said, despite “major uncertainties” in the global economy citing as examples the current trade conflicts involving SEA nations and their volatile financial markets
— The Independent sg

Singapore economy grows 3.3% in 2018
Singapore’s economic growth held above 3% for a second year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, calling on the nation to rally around a new team of leaders and ensure continuity as he prepares to step down
— The Edge

Start new year right with Gain City
Gain City is ushering in the new year with a sales event at Tampines in the first two weeks of this month.
— The New Paper

Nov business lending chilled by headwinds
Business lending to key industries has weakened, as sharp geopolitical headwinds blowing into 2019 keep investors wary about the strength of global growth ahead.
— The Business Times

Singapore Life gets US$20m investment from listed US insurer
Fintech Singapore Life has found a new investor in US insurer Aflac, which invested US$20 million for a minority equity stake, Singapore Life told The Business Times on Monday.
— The Business Times

$6.2m Jurong Central Plaza opens to replace destroyed market
More than two years since a Jurong West market burned down, its replacement was given its official opening yesterday.
— The New Paper

Jobs in demand
Software developers, shop sales assistants and teachers are in hot demand in Singapore, according to preliminary data from the Manpower Ministry released last month. Here are some of the top jobs that companies are looking to hire for from the 11 major industries here, based on vacancies as at September.
— Straits Times

Singapore looks down to solve land problem
From its towering “supertree” vertical gardens to a Formula 1 night race, Singapore is known for many attractions; underground space is not one of them.
— In Business

Grading scheme for maid agencies runs into a snag
A planned scheme to grade maid employment agencies and boost the professionalism of the industry has been delayed for over a year after several issues were raised during consultation sessions.
— Straits Times

Which Singapore-listed supermarket share should investors buy now? Part 1
A comparison of the latest quarterly performance of the listed supermarkets to determine the better performer.
— Motley Fool sg

GoJek app users can take a ride anywhere in S’pore starting from Jan. 2
I wanna take you for a ride.
— Mothership

Singapore’s Fullerton hires Eastspring executive
Singapore’s Fullerton Fund Management (Fullerton) is believed to have hired Mark Yuen away from Eastspring Investments to become its chief business development officer.
— Asia Asset Management

Indonesian ride-hailing app Gojek to operate in key Asean markets this year
Indonesian ride-hailing company Gojek will finally begin operating in the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand this year, fulfilling its plans for expansion in Southeast Asia and entering a market monopolised by regional rival Grab.
— asiancorrespondent.com

Stricter penalties now in place for food hygiene offenses in Singapore
Effectively immediately, establishments involved in food poisoning incidents in Singapore face stronger penalties, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Agri Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).
— Food Safety News

Up to 90% off at 2019’s first electronics expo from Jan. 4 – Jan. 6
Going to Singapore Expo soooon.
— Mothership

Transition to digital TV as analogue TV signals turn off on Jan 1 midnight
Singapore will transition from analogue to digital television (DTV) at midnight on Jan 1, 2019, paving the way for better quality pictures, superior sound, multi-language subtitles and electronic programme guides.
— Channel News Asia

It’s official, Dec. 2018 was definitely hotter than usual
It will continue to be hot.
— Mothership

Car hit by fallen tree? NParks may cover claim
The National Parks Board (NParks) says it has a public liability insurance policy which covers its legal liability for personal injury, loss or damage to property following a fallen tree incident.
— Straits Times

Feisty kway chap lady who challenged debt collectors: “Money’s gone, family’s broken, I’ve got nothing”
No love lost.
— Mothership

Concert to raise funds for Singapore music exports
The world will get to hear and see more of Singapore’s music artists this year (2019), thanks to a new push to export home-grown music by The Music Society, Singapore (SGMUSO).
— Straits Times

Feature photo The Cabin Singapore

This week’s Singapore morning news feature photo focuses on the death, pain, and loss that typically occurs at this time of year on Asean roads due to drunk driving, speeding, and a failure to wear protective helmets when travelling on motorbikes.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Singapore morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Singapore news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.

Singapore morning news for January 2 added by Mark Roy on January 2, 2019
View all posts by Mark Roy →

Bio
Latest Posts

Mark Roy

With a decade of experience as an editor and journalist, Roy has edited mastheads across Australia and Southeast Asia, from the remote island communities of the Torres Strait to Cambodia’s only award-winning newspaper, The Phnom Penh Post.

A a professional photographer since the days of film, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Photomedia and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism.