Latest news with #LIMYAOHUI
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore ranks No. 3 in list of world's ‘magnetic cities'
In Singapore, emotional connection is strong, with 77 per cent of residents saying they are satisfied with the city as a place to live. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE – Singapore ranks No. 3 in a new list of top 10 magnetic cities where newcomers and residents feel they are most likely to stay. Taipei in Taiwan topped the rankings, with 64 per cent of survey respondents saying they are 'unlikely' to move away from their city. In second place is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with 61 per cent. Singapore notched 59 per cent. The global rankings are conducted by the research unit of Gensler , the world's largest architectural and design group. Its Gensler City Pulse 2025 report on the Magnetic City, which attracts newcomers while retaining residents, was released in May. It looks at urgent issues facing cities today that are locked in fierce competition, not just for investment and talent but also for the hearts of residents. In another section of the survey, which asks respondents how satisfied they are with their city, 94 per cent of people in Shanghai, China, gave the thumbs up with 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied', topping the results on contentment. Over in Mumbai, India, 92 per cent of respondents say they are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with life in the city. In Singapore, the figure is 77 per cent. This is higher than the global average of 73 per cent, during the period of the survey from July 18 to Nov 22, 2024. The report finds that in this era of the magnetic city, success belongs to those urban centres that design not just for growth, but also for genuine human connection. Gensler , which employs more than 6,000 professionals in 57 offices across 16 countries, has a diverse portfolio that includes commercial buildings, urban planning, interiors and sustainability consulting. Its Gensler Research Institute has conducted five previous City Pulse yearly surveys, since the beginning of Covid-19 in 2020. The inaugural City Pulse study was launched in the early weeks of the pandemic to understand how lockdowns and social distancing impacted urban life. In the subsequent years, its research looked into how cities slowly recovered from the health crisis of a generation in 2020 to greater urban mobility in 2022 and the renewed appeal of urban density in thriving cities in 2024. Gensler points out that, as with any global study, there are limitations. The City Pulse 2025 team accounted for nuances in the collection of data. For instance, cities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and China were excluded from certain rankings due to unique patterns of temporary labour and restricted internal movement, which make them global outliers. Forces of attraction and retention The report distils insights from more than 33,000 urban dwellers across 65 cities in online surveys that went out in 2024. The survey's key findings reveal that the forces that attract people to cities are not the same as those that persuade them to stay. While economic upside, safety of residents and accessible healthcare may lay the foundation for a city's magnetism , the intangible threads of pride, belonging and community spirit are what engender a sense of belonging to a place – transforming a city from a destination into a home. Currently, one in three city residents around the world is considering leaving his or her home, a figure that reflects the volatility of urban populations and the high stakes for city leaders. Another deal-breaker for global residents: over-populated cities. According to the United Nations (UN), two out of every three people are likely to be living in cities or other urban centres by 2050, highlighting the need for more sustainable urban planning and public services. That works out to around 2.5 billion people added to urban areas by the middle of the century, predicts the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs in its 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects. Most of the increase is expected to be concentrated in just a handful of countries, such as India, China and Nigeria. It also estimates that by 2030, the world may have 43 so-called megacities, up from the current 31 today. By 2028, India's New Delhi is projected to become the most populous city on the planet. That title currently belongs to Tokyo, with 37 million inhabitants, followed by New Delhi (34.7 million), and Shanghai (30 million), according to global demographics website World Population Review . The UN report says that as the population in cities grows, there will be challenges in housing, transport , energy systems, employment and basic services such as education and healthcare. Sense of belonging Gensler's latest study finds that retention rates soar in areas where people report a strong sense of belonging and civic pride. Smaller cities such as Tampa and Raleigh in the United States are increasingly drawing new arrivals with a potent mix of affordability, identity and quality of life, challenging the dominance of entrenched megacities such as New York and Los Angeles. In the report, the contrast between smaller and larger cities is more discernible in the US. In the last few years, the Global South has emerged as a focal point for new urban experiences, with cities in Latin America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific offering more opportunities. So, what can urban planners and architects do to make cities more magnetic? Ms Angela Spathonis, managing director of Gensler Singapore, located at Park Regis in Merchant Road, says the survey makes one thing clear: People do not stay in cities because of convenience or efficiency , but because they feel a deep emotional connection to them. For Singapore, she says this connection is already strong, with 77 per cent of residents saying they are satisfied with the city as a place to live. Singapore also ranks among the top three cities globally for staying power. The report covers a range of metrics that capture both the tangible and intangible factors shaping urban experience and decision-making. These include urban experience, satisfaction, migration and demographics. 'To continue nurturing this sense of belonging, Singapore can build on what it already does well: safe neighbourhoods to walk around in, reliable infrastructure and inclusive public services,' says Ms Spathonis, 47. 'But the next step is to invest in what we call 'emotional infrastructure', which are places that do more than serve a function. These are spaces that help people feel connected, tell shared stories, and create a sense of identity and community,' adds the Australian . 'This means designing places that reflect who we are. From updated hawker centres and neighbourhood parks to larger civic and cultural spaces, the goal is to create environments that bring people together and grow with the community.' Gensler Singapore worked on the interior of Shaw Plaza in Balestier. The landmark, which served the neighbourhood for decades, has been given a new lease of life with updated shops, cinemas and family-friendly spaces. PHOTO: GENSLER Ms Spathonis notes that as Singapore becomes more diverse and space becomes more limited, it is crucial that new developments do not just meet physical needs but also reflect the unique identity of each neighbourhood. 'When people see their culture and stories reflected in the spaces around them, they feel a deeper connection to the city,' she says. 'That's why emotional connection is just as important as physical infrastructure. And that is Singapore's biggest opportunity – to keep building a future-ready city that people are proud to live in, and choose to stay in for the long haul.' 'Certainty in an uncertain world' While emotional connection is key to long-term attachment, the latest Gensler City Pulse survey also highlights that people are initially drawn to cities that meet essential needs such as affordability, safety and access to healthcare, says Mr Najeeb Rahmat, Gensler Singapore's co-studio director. 'Across South-east Asia, cities are rapidly evolving, leveraging infrastructure and cultural investments to enhance these factors and attract talent. Singapore's edge, or its 'X' factor, lies in something even more compelling: certainty in an uncertain world,' says Mr Najeeb, 42, a Singaporean registered architect. 'What sets Singapore apart is its clear sense of direction. Whether through forward-thinking education, resilient digital infrastructure or strong institutional trust, the city offers a rare blend of innovation and stability. In a global environment marked by unpredictability, this consistency is a powerful differentiator.' For those deciding where to build their lives, this matters deeply, he believes. Singapore's ability to provide a future-ready ecosystem continues to make it a compelling destination. Mr Najeeb says it is not just about attracting people. It is also about creating a place where they can envision building a future, raising families and pursuing careers. 'Cities must offer more than just amenities. They need to signal long-term reliability and a clear sense of purpose,' he adds. 'Singapore already does this well, and its continued success will depend on how effectively it shapes environments that are both liveable today and inspiring for future generations.' Intangible values Associate Professor Zdravko Trivic of the National University of Singapore's Department of Architecture, College of Design and Engineering, says that while the report can be seen as one of many global studies that assess and rank countries or cities based on a range of performance indicators, it is not possible to make the specific methodologies and instruments used in the rankings clear. As in all surveys, even with extensive datasets, findings may carry limitations or inherent biases. Nevertheless, Prof Trivic says these assessments can offer valuable insights , revealing meaningful patterns and drawing attention to the importance of various aspects of urban environments and urban living . He says that what sets City Pulse 2025 apart is its seemingly more holistic and inclusive evaluation framework, which gives weight to both tangible and intangible urban qualities; and an explicit recognition and strong advocacy for intangible values such as place attachment, civic pride and age-friendliness. 'While population mobility brings diversity and new perspectives, it is essential to ensure that cities continue to resonate with long-term residents. Collective efforts in cultivating and reinforcing these intangible values are key to sustaining cities as inclusive, meaningful, lovable and resilient places to live,' says Prof Trivic. The findings of the City Pulse 2025 study suggest that Singapore performs strongly in intangible dimensions such as peace and stability, safety and economic strength. This aligns with the city-state's historical emphasis on physical infrastructure and systems, or 'hardware', with a more strategic focus on 'heartware' and community building that has emerged more strongly in recent decades. Shaw Plaza in Balestier, which served the neighbourhood for decades, had a facelift and reopened in 2023. PHOTO: GENSLER A range of initiatives reflects this shift. Ageing-friendly design strategies, HDB town planning guides, distinctive c ity guidelines, cultural development plans and community participation frameworks are all part of ongoing efforts to strengthen neighbourhoods, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life. But there is still more to be done, Prof Trivic says. 'As we increasingly find meaning and delight beyond the fulfilment of basic needs and convenience, greater attention must be paid to place attachment and evolving community values, especially as our built environments themselves age.' In cases of housing displacement such as the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (Sers), nearby relocation within the community or providing familiar amenities may not be enough. He says efforts must also focus on identifying and nurturing the 'social hearts' of neighbourhoods , building emotional resilience and capacities to negotiate familiarity, continuity and community ties . 'This calls for a deeper, more empathetic approach to place-making, one that moves beyond cosmetic changes and place-branding to fostering multisensory, physically and cognitively inclusive and engaging environments that are responsive to diverse needs and can build abilities, particularly among ageing populations. 'For planners and designers, a people-centric, inclusive approach is not just desirable, it is essential, as we aim to create attractive and endearing places.' Info: For more insights into the economic, social and environmental factors behind urban migration and retention in the Gensler City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City report, go to The Gensler report's findings in a nutshell Crowds at Lau Pa Sat hawker centre on June 13. The latest Gensler report gathered responses across 65 cities to identify how people interact with their cities, and their priorities for urban life. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO 1. Life satisfaction The latest Gensler report gathered responses across diverse locations and populations in 65 cities to identify how people interact with their cities, and their priorities for urban life. In City Pulse 2025, respondents were asked how satisfied they were with their city as a place to live. This metric helps the research team understand urban satisfaction on a broad scale. In Singapore, 77 per cent said they were 'satisfied' with life in the city-state. The report aims to help city leaders and developers shape policies and investments that can directly enhance their city's quality of life. The iconic architecture of Marina Bay Sands is emblematic of Singapore. Cities with higher purchasing power tend to attract more new residents, making economics one of the most powerful drivers of urban migration. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM 2. Cost of living Affordability plays a decisive role in how urban residents choose their next city. Gensler's research team analysed the percentage of newcomers in each city alongside cities' local purchasing power, a proxy for cost of living, and found a clear and positive relationship between affordability and new residents. Cities with higher purchasing power – where salaries stretch further for goods and services – tend to attract more new residents. Economics is the most powerful driver of urban migration. For cities aiming to attract new residents, ensuring a reasonable cost of living is essential. A Jurassic World exhibition at Gardens by the Bay, which draws residents and visitors with diverse programming. The Gensler report shows that place attachment (the connection people feel with a city) is shaped by personal experiences. PHOTO: ST FILE 3. 'Place attachment' shaped by experiences, emotion Local attractions and other landmarks such as Gardens by the Bay draw residents and visitors with varied programming. The Gensler report shows that place attachment – the deep connection people feel towards their city – is shaped by personal experiences, social ties and a sense of belonging. It goes beyond practical considerations, such as jobs or affordability, and includes emotional bonds, identity and familiarity. This attachment strengthens over time, influencing whether people choose to stay in their city even as conditions change. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
223 people under investigation over scams involving more than $3.89m in losses
The suspects are aged between 15 and 89. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI 223 people under investigation over scams involving more than $3.89m in losses SINGAPORE - Some 223 people , suspected to be scammers or money mules, are assisting the police with investigations over scam cases in which victims lost more than $3.89 million. The suspects - comprising 70 women and 153 men , aged between 15 and 89 - are believed to be involved in more than 790 cases of scams , said the police in a statement on June 19. The cases comprise mainly friend impersonation scams, investment scams, job scams, e-commerce scams, government official impersonation scams and rental scams. The suspects were caught during a two-week operation from June 6 to 19 that was conducted by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and the seven police land divisions. They are being investigated for the alleged offences of cheating, money laundering or providing payment services without a licence, said the police. For the offence of cheating, those found guilty may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined . If found guilty of money laundering, they may be jailed for up to 10 years , fined up to $500,000 , or both . Those found guilty of providing payment services without a licence in Singapore may be jailed for up to three years , fined up to $125,000 , or both . The police advise members of the public to reject any requests by others to use their bank account or mobile lines, or they may become an accomplice to crimes and will be held accountable. For more information on scams, members of the public can visit or call the ScamShield Helpline on 1799. Anyone with information on scams may call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Meta to work with Singapore banks in sharing intelligence to combat scams
Participants taking part in an interactive workshop session during Meta's Inside a Scammer's Mind event at Marina One on June 12. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Meta to work with Singapore banks in sharing intelligence to combat scams SINGAPORE – Social media company Meta is aiming to roll out a shared intelligence platform with local banks in Singapore to combat the scam scourge. This comes as the company looks to form a closer partnership with the Republic's law enforcement agencies to dismantle scam syndicates. First unveiled in the United Kingdom and Australia in 2024, Meta's Fraud Intelligence Reciprocal Exchange (Fire) is a platform that allows banks to share threat intelligence with the firm directly. Speaking to the media on June 12, Meta's Singapore and Asean head of public policy Clara Koh said the firm is ready to roll out the programme globally through an industry consortium – the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Centre . She said that currently, Meta's customers who become victims of scams on its platforms have to report their experience to the firm. With Fire, Meta – the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – will also be able to receive intelligence on scammers or victims from banks. Ms Koh said the platform allows Meta to analyse data and remove the scammers' ability to commit crimes. 'But at the same time, we use the signals and patterns or behaviours of the actors to help our machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) actually better detect the bad actors. 'So yes, we are working with a few local banks to try and get them onboarded into the programme,' she added. She said more details will be shared at a later date. During a six-month pilot with UK banks NatWest and Metro Bank, Meta was able to remove some 20,000 accounts run by scammers from 185 website addresses shared by the banks. Ms Koh was one of the panellists at an anti-scam awareness event organised by Meta on June 12 at the firm's office at Marina One. The panel also included the Singapore Police Force's Superintendent Rosie Ann McIntyre, who is assistant director of the Scam Public Education Office's operations department, and the National Crime Prevention Council's Mr Nicholas Khoo. (From left) The National Crime Prevention Council's Mr Nicholas Khoo, police Superintendent Rosie Ann McIntyre and Meta's Singapore and Asean head of policy Clara Koh at the Inside a Scammer's Mind event on June 12. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI During the discussion, Supt McIntyre said that people should not be fearful if an unknown person is attempting to call or reach them through e-mail. Instead, it is important to slow down and assess the situation. 'The important thing is not to respond immediately, not to transfer money, because once it's out, it's out. The important thing is not to click a link,' said Supt McIntyre. In 2024, victims in Singapore lost a record high of $1.1 billion to scams. In total, victims here have lost more than $3.4 billion to scams since 2019. The most common ruse in 2024 was e-commerce scams, which includes concert ticket scams, with 11,665 reported cases and victims losing at least $17.5 million in total. Job scams and phishing scams rounded out the top three scam variants of concern in 2024. Some $156.2 million was lost to job scams, while victims of phishing scams lost $59.4 million across 2024. Ms Koh said that some scams – such as ticketing scams linked to big events like mega concerts or summits – can be anticipated, which means the authorities can prepare against a spike in fraud attempts ahead of time. During a six-month pilot with UK banks NatWest and Metro Bank, Meta was able to remove some 20,000 accounts run by scammers from 185 website addresses shared by the banks. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI But others are difficult to predict. Most scams, like love scams or impersonation scams, are evergreen, which make it challenging to get ahead of, Ms Koh said. 'You don't know how (scams) are going to evolve over time, but they evolve extremely quickly within days. Once you try and arrest a particular variant, it pivots and evolves i nto something else,' she added. She said Meta is also committed to fighting the scam scourge beyond just its online platforms – highlighting the human trafficking cost that comes with scam compounds run by organised crime. 'As a platform, we want to do our best to tackle the issue as it manifests... but I think equally, we also want to take real-world action on the actual criminal syndicates that are operating these (compounds),' she said. 'So we can do our part but, at the same time, we really need different segments of the ecosystem and society to work with us on the same side to really fight this scourge.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Residential new growth areas to watch in the central region
At the former Keppel Club golf course, about 6,000 HDB flats and 3,000 private homes will be built on the 48-hectare site. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI A strong pipeline of new housing projects is expected, with plans under way for the construction of over 50,000 HDB flats and more than 30,000 private homes. Key redevelopment sites include the Greater Southern Waterfront, Bukit Timah Turf City, Marina Bay, Mount Pleasant, Tanjong Rhu, Pearl's Hill and Bukit Merah. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Straits Times
Removal of mandatory minimum sentences for some dangerous driving offences to kick in from June 12
Annual statistics released by the Traffic Police on Feb 21 showed a five-year high in the number of people killed or injured in accidents across 2024. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Removal of mandatory minimum sentences for some dangerous driving offences to kick in from June 12 SINGAPORE – Updated legislation covering dangerous and careless driving offences, with mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders removed, will take effect on June 12. The first tranche of amendments in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act will lower the mandatory minimum jail terms for repeat offenders of dangerous driving causing death or grievous hurt to two years' jail and one year's jail, respectively. The mandatory minimum jail term and disqualification period for first-time offenders will also be removed. No changes will be made to the maximum penalties for repeat offenders. Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death can face up to 15 years' jail, while those who cause grievous hurt can be jailed for up to 10 years. In a June 11 statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said: 'The courts will have the flexibility to decide on the appropriate sentence in every case, and MHA expects egregious offenders to continue to be subject to stiff penalties.' Annual statistics released by the Traffic Police (TP) on Feb 21 showed a five-year high in the number of people killed or injured in accidents across 2024. The figures showed that of the 139 fatal accidents in 2024, a total of 46 cases – or one in three – were related to speeding. A total of 142 people died in road accidents in 2024. 'MHA continues to be concerned about the road safety situation in Singapore. TP has intensified its enforcement efforts against egregious driving behaviour, including drink driving,' MHA said. 'We recently announced increases in the penalties for speeding offences, and are reviewing other laws and policies to promote a culture of responsible driving and ensure sufficient penalties for offenders.' Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim had said in Parliament on Jan 7 that the amendments do not mean the Government is signalling a more lenient stance towards repeat offenders. Rather, the changes were made to recalibrate the balance between deterrence and proportionality. Prosecutors will also be given more flexibility to proceed on a 'hurt' charge even when 'grievous hurt' is caused, he said. This is to enable the prosecution to take into account other circumstances that could have been involved. They include the nature of the victim's injury and whether other road users were partly responsible for the accident. The refreshed Act will also adjust how motorists' track records affect their classification as repeat offenders for dangerous or careless driving offences. Under the new Act, motorists will be classified as repeat offenders only if they have at least two prior speeding convictions in excess of 40kmh of the road or vehicle's speed limit. At least two of the speeding convictions will also need to have occurred within five years of the dangerous or careless driving offence they are currently facing. Motorists with previous convictions for dangerous or careless driving, or found to have conducted illegal speed trials, will continue to be classified as repeat offenders if found to have committed another similar offence. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
