Author: Seoul Reporter

Strong Q4 Performance in 2025Thailand’s economy experienced notable expansion in the final quarter of 2025, fueled by robust exports and rising domestic demand. Officials reported that conditions in December marked an improvement over the prior month, reflecting positive trends in both internal and external sectors. These gains aligned with developments on the supply side, contributing to overall economic momentum.Key Trade IndicatorsThe country achieved a current account surplus of $3.1 billion in December. Exports, a vital pillar of the economy, increased by 18.1 percent compared to the previous year, while imports rose by 18 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of…

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence and Singapore Armed Forces have achieved a key milestone in sustainable energy with the completion of the nation’s inaugural solar farm at a military installation. The project at Sembawang Air Base was finalized in December, meeting the 50 megawatt-peak solar output goal established in 2021. During the launch on Friday, officials announced an ambitious new target of 68 megawatt-peak by the close of next year. Advancing National Energy Resilience Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing highlighted the initiative as a vital step in bolstering the country’s energy security. He described it as a demonstration model for broader…

Malaysia Advances Johor-Singapore Special Economic ZoneMalaysia plans to unveil the blueprint and masterplan for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) in March, marking a shift from planning to active implementation. This initiative follows a recent discussion between Singapore’s Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat and Malaysia’s Minister of Economy Akmal Nasir.The documents will detail the zone’s long-term strategy, including priority sectors, designated areas, and a clear execution timeline. They will also address governance frameworks, investment incentives, infrastructure enhancements, and talent development strategies.Expected Economic ImpactOfficials from both nations anticipate the JS-SEZ will generate 20,000 skilled employment opportunities and support the…

Singapore’s economy faces a pivotal shift where robust growth might not guarantee proportional job creation, thanks to rapid technological progress. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong emphasized the need for intentional policies to foster diverse employment opportunities in this landscape. Economic Maturity and External Pressures In a mature economy like Singapore’s, achieving sustained growth is already demanding, particularly against a backdrop of global uncertainties. Speaking during a mid-term update on the Economic Strategy Review, Mr. Gan highlighted that even strong economic expansion could fall short of generating sufficient jobs. “We can no longer assume that growth will automatically generate jobs,”…

Singapore’s job market is seeing a significant shift toward skills-based hiring as more than 705,000 individuals have now accessed the Careers and Skills Passport (CSP). This digital tool, which consolidates verified employment history, academic qualifications, and professional certifications, has become a pivotal asset for those navigating the current employment landscape. Verified Credentials Driving Recruitment Success Data indicates that job seekers who utilize the CSP when applying through major job portals are 1.5 times more likely to be shortlisted by employers. By providing a secure, government-verified record of their professional background, candidates can bypass the manual verification hurdles that often slow…

Thirteen former private security officers have been brought before the court to face a series of charges involving the misappropriation of seized contraband, illegal possession of vapes, and obstruction of justice. The accused individuals were all serving as enforcement officers at the time of the alleged offenses, which took place between 2019 and 2022. Theft of Seized Contraband and Prohibited Goods According to legal documents, eight of the men—identified as Fitri, Syafiq, Aidil, Hazim, Faddley, Chan, Fiaros, and Haziq—are accused of pocketing duty-unpaid cigarettes and various e-vaporiser products. These items, valued at approximately S$18,327, had been entrusted to them as…

New National Recycling Effort to Feature Over 1,000 Return Points Starting April 1, Singapore will implement a nationwide beverage container return scheme designed to significantly boost local recycling rates. Under this initiative, residents will pay a refundable 10-cent deposit on pre-packaged drinks sold in plastic bottles and metal cans ranging from 150ml to 3 liters. The deposit can be fully reclaimed by returning empty, uncrushed containers to designated collection points across the island. To ensure maximum convenience, approximately 1,000 return points will be established at major supermarkets and high-traffic public areas. Officials estimate that 90% of Housing and Development Board…

In an unprecedented effort to recover billions of dollars lost in one of history’s largest financial scandals, Vietnamese authorities have begun the liquidation of high-end luxury assets belonging to disgraced real estate mogul Truong My Lan. The assets, ranging from rare designer handbags to a multimillion-dollar yacht, are being sold to satisfy a massive $27 billion reparation order. Luxury Handbags and Personal Effects Under Appraisal The Civil Judgment Enforcement Agency in Ho Chi Minh City is currently seeking expert appraisers to determine the market value of two crocodile-skin Hermès Birkin bags seized from Lan. These exclusive accessories, which often command…

Administrative Oversight Leads to Temporary Release of InmateThe Singapore State Courts have conducted a comprehensive internal review and implemented new safeguards following an administrative error that led to the premature release of an inmate. Muhammad Fathurrahman Mohd Adzlan, who was sentenced for an altercation involving law enforcement officers, was briefly released from custody before returning to complete his full sentence.The incident occurred on October 27, 2025, the same day Mr. Muhammad was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison. Due to a clerical mistake in the preparation of the warrant of commitment—the official document directing a person’s incarceration—his jail term was…

Sandara Park Spotted at VivoCity and Mandai Wildlife Reserve Renowned South Korean singer and 2NE1 member Sandara Park recently made a return to Singapore, a city she has frequently dubbed one of her favorite destinations. The 41-year-old star was spotted across the island this week, blending work commitments with her well-known passion for local culture and cuisine. During her stay, the K-pop icon was seen at VivoCity, one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls. Park was observed enjoying the mall’s outdoor deck and was pictured with a Victoria’s Secret shopping bag, suggesting a stop at the brand’s local flagship. Her visit…