A new Cabinet line-up was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Jul. 22 with appointments, promotions, and changing portfolios.

PM Wong remarked that the adjustments, which will see some younger officeholders taking on larger responsibilities, "is another step in our leadership renewal", he wrote in a Facebook post.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Jul. 27, some appointees have also taken to social media to pen their thoughts on the upcoming changes.

Ministers

Gan Kim Yong

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also serves as the Minister for Trade and Industry, reflected on his ministry's upcoming name change to the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) from Oct. 1.

"Our new name reflects Singapore’s growing focus on energy," Gan said.

"MTI’s mission has always been to drive growth, safeguard and expand our economic space, build a future-ready economy and create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans," he said, adding that METI's core mission will remain the same.

Tan See Leng

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, who will relinquish his role to join Gan as Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), said he looks forward to the continued work in securing Singapore's future.

"For me, every portfolio is ultimately about our people. Every decision we make shapes livelihoods, opportunities and our collective future, and I will continue to work alongside Singaporeans and our partners in this endeavour," he wrote.

Tan also reflected on his time at the Ministry of Manpower "with gratitude".

"Over the past six years, it has been a privilege to serve my fellow Singaporeans as the Minister for Manpower."

He highlighted a number of his team's key achievements over the years, including keeping Singapore's economy open, supporting Singaporeans through career changes and enhancing the welfare of migrant workers.

"All of this was made possible by the dedication of many colleagues, tripartite partners, employers and unions."

"To every MOMer I have had the privilege of working with, thank you for your unwavering commitment and trust over the past 6 years," he said.

Ng Chee Meng

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, who will return to the Cabinet as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, wrote that he is "humbled by [PM Wong's] invitation to serve in Cabinet" and "[accepts] it with a strong sense of responsibility".

His will reprise his last-held Cabinet position in 2020, after requesting to be excluded from the Cabinet in 2025.

At the time, PM Wong said that he would respect Ng's wishes, but that his exclusion from cabinet as the labour chief would be a "temporary arrangement".

He explained that the "NTUC Secretary-General has traditionally held a position in Cabinet" and that he values the link between the government and the trade union.

"I look forward to having the labour chief being part of the Cabinet before too long," PM Wong also said.

In a statement, Ng said what will remain unchanged is his commitment towards Jalan Kayu as a Member of Parliament (MP) as well as his role championing better workers' wages and welfare as NTUC chief.

Being in the Cabinet would allow him to work more closely with the government in these endeavours, he added.

"This is purposeful work that drives me.

Thank you for your trust, support and partnership."

Zaqy Mohamad

Zaqy Mohamad, who has taken on the position of Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs following the Jul. 20 resignation of Faishal Ibrahim, said he accepts the appointment "with humility and a deep sense of duty".

"I know this role carries special significance for the Malay/Muslim community."

He thanked Faishal for laying "strong foundations" before him, describing him as someone who "exemplified the importance of engaging the community with sincerity and investing time to build genuine relationships".

"These connections matter, and they are something I am committed to nurturing," said Zaqy, adding that he will take time to meet members of the community over the coming weeks.

Jeffrey Siow

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, who will become a full minister on Jul. 27, reflected on his team's progress over the past year.

In particular, he acknowledged Transport Minister of State (MoS) Baey Yam Keng and Senior Ministers of State (SMS) Sun Xueling and Murali Pillai for their work in setting the direction for Singapore's transport network.

"Looking back at our photos from a year ago, three of us look exactly the same if not younger. And then there’s me," he quipped.

Siow also thanked workers in the aviation, maritime and public transport sectors for their fundamental role in Singapore's transport system, as well as his colleagues in the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he is concurrently serving as SMS and Second Permanent Secretary respectively.

"There is much more to do and learn, and I look forward to taking it on together with all of you."

David Neo

Similar to Siow, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo will become a full-fledged minister come Jul. 27.

On his promotion, Neo thanked PM Wong for his trust and confidence and his colleagues at MCCY and the Ministry of Education (MOE), where he is also SMS, for their friendship and support.

"Over the past year, I've had the privilege of having conversations with many of you," he wrote.

"Every conversation stayed with me. Your passion for what you do, your honesty about what's working and what isn't — thank you for your openness, and for keeping this work grounded."

Sim Ann

SMS for Foreign and Home Affairs, who will be promoted to Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, wrote: "Grateful for and humbled by PM Lawrence Wong's trust and confidence in me".

"I will continue to do my best serving in MFA and MHA," she added.

Sim also extended her congratulations to other members of the Cabinet who had received promotions and new appointments.

Office holders

Jasmin Lau

Newly appointed Acting Minister for Manpower and SMS for Digital Development and Information Jasmin Lau posted a video on her promotion, captioning it simply as "Happy to be MoM".

Lau, who is currently the MoS for Digital Development and Information and Education, thanked Education Minister Desmond Lee and her colleagues at MOE "for their guidance and partnership over the past year".

Skills, training and jobs are part of the same story, she said, adding that she will carry her experience from MOE to her new role at MOM.

Lau also acknowledged Tan See Leng's leadership of the ministry since 2021, highlighting a number of his achievements including the strengthening of the progressive wage model and the implementation of the Workplace Fairness Act.

"Those are big shoes to fill," she said.

On her upcoming work in MOM, she said her responsibility is in helping companies and workers through changes in the workplace due to the involvement of technology.

This will involve a number of actionable steps like ensuring lifelong learning remains accessible and relevant and helping Singaporeans cope with more frequent career transitions, she added.

Lau, who had worked in MOM early in her career from 2008 to 2010, said she "looks forward to working with MOM colleagues this round".

She also thanked PM Wong for entrusting her with the new role. "I'm ready to do my best."

Shawn Loh

Jalan Besar GRC MP Shawn Loh, who will be MOS for Education and Health from Jan. 1, 2027, expressed his "deep sense of gratitude and duty" towards his new roles.

He explained that his delayed promotion comes on the approval of PM Wong in order to ensure a smooth leadership transition from his current role as Group Managing Director of Commonwealth Capital Group.

"In the new season ahead, I am fuelled by the support of our Jalan Besar residents," Loh wrote.

"I've met many in the past year. They've shared with me their joys, aspirations, and challenges. I will carry these close in my new portfolios.

About 100 members of the public attended the interfaith community prayer and remembrance gathering for the 59-year-old man who died on Jul. 20 after he allegedly got into a fight with his neighbour.

The man's close friends, as well as other residents attended the event held on Jul. 22 night at the multi-purpose hall at Block 55A Lengkok Bahru.

'Very sad': Victim's close friend

One of the victim's close friends, 60-year-old Mohamed Yasin, has lived in the area for about 30 years and met the victim two years ago.

Speaking to Mothership, he said he was "very sad" as the victim was a "very close friend" of his and they hung out very often.

A 51-year-old resident, who wished to be known as Teo, said she had been living in the neighbourhood for almost 20 years, and volunteers with the Residents' Network (RN) for over 15 years.

Noting that she often saw the victim around the coffee shop, she said she had just delivered food to him three weeks ago.

She told Mothership that she felt "very, very sad", adding that it was "quite shocking" and "unfortunate" that the resident passed away under such circumstances.

A 77-year-old member of the public, who wished to remain anonymous, said what happened was "such a pity".

"I'm a person, he's a person too," said the man, adding that he always saw the victim in the area and described him as a "very quiet person" who "didn't cause trouble".

'Wonderful, quiet guy'

Calling the victim a "wonderful, quiet guy", Raymond Khoo, founder of charity "The Saturday Movement", said he was shocked by the news.

The 62-year-old had known the victim for many years, and said he would join in for Saturday meals with his son, and ask that his meals be given to someone else if he felt it was not suitable.

According to its website, the registered charity befriends and cares for over 500 needy elderly in Singapore.

It also provides 4,000 meals, as well as bread, and food every month and hosts a weekly in-person free lunch every Saturday for its beneficiaries.

"I just saw him and his son on Saturday," Khoo said, adding that they have also been supporting neighbours and giving them a space to meet and talk when they were unable to sleep.

United by care for grieving family

Member of Parliament for Queenstown SMC Eric Chua said at the gathering that though everyone "may come from different faiths and different backgrounds", they are united by "something very simple and something very human, and that is our care for a grieving family and our hope that they may find comfort, strength, and healing".

The "tragic incident has left a family grieving the sudden loss of a loved one," Chua said, adding that "it has also deeply affected residents in our Lengkok Bahru community".

Expressing his deepest condolences to the family, Chua said "[his] thoughts are also with those who witnessed what happened, or who have been left feeling saddened, shaken, or unsettled".

"Tonight, we are here... to remember the deceased, to pray for the family, and to stand together as a community," he added.

The gathering saw religious leaders from five different faiths — Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam, taking turns to pray.

Those who attended the gathering also observed a minute of silence for the victim.

Support for family

Speaking to Mothership and Shin Min Daily News after the gathering, Chua said he had spoken to the victim's family.

Noting that his son is "quite emotionally distraught", he said arrangements have been made to support him financially and emotionally.

Addressing residents during the gathering, Chua said: "Now we know that grief does not end after the funeral."

"In the weeks and months ahead, we will continue to stay close, walk alongside the family, and make sure that they do not have to face the difficulties and challenging days alone."

In terms of the fundraiser, Chua said "we are trying to pin down a specific platform" to do that and will "share more details" once they are able to do so.

Support for residents

Chua also acknowledged that it is natural to feel worried or anxious when something distressing "happens so close to home".

He has asked the police to step up their patrols around the area, which they have done so.

Residents may also speak to grassroots volunteers if they are feeling unsettled or need someone to listen.

"You do not have to carry all these feelings alone," he said.

Chua added that the community is not just about celebrating together in good times, but also about standing close in difficult times.

"Let us care for our neighbours, support one another, and stand together as one Lengkok Bahru, one Queenstown."

Murder

On Jul. 20, a 59-year-old man died after allegedly fighting with his neighbour at Block 55 Lengkok Bahru.

The police had arrived to find the victim lying motionless at the 16th floor lift lobby.

He was allegedly stabbed in the abdomen, and died after he was taken to the hospital.

Ng Swee Seng, 59, the neighbour charged with allegedly murdering the victim, reportedly had a long-standing dispute with him.

With the latest Cabinet reshuffle announced on Jul. 22, the PAP government's new Cabinet is set to see two new records — the highest number of female leaders holding ministerial positions, as well as the highest number of GE2025 debutants in Cabinet and ranking government positions.

Notable as well is the fact that Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, who has been in Parliament for about 38 years and Cabinet for about 18 years, will be appointed Senior Minister, alongside SM Lee Hsien Loong.

The new appointments will take effect on Jul. 27, 2026.

The new Cabinet recognises the ability of experienced officeholders and keeps steady hands at the helm.

It also outlines the contours of an emerging 5G leadership from the PAP bench, although leadership renewal is still in its early days.

5G bench taking shape

The Cabinet reshuffle was announced at a press conference by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, alongside Jeffrey Siow, David Neo, Zaqy Mohamad, Jasmin Lau and Goh Pei Ming.

All but Zaqy were from the GE2025 batch of elected PAP MPs. Zaqy entered Parliament in GE2006.

Here's a quick summary of the promotions and appointments for those from the GE2025 batch of PAP MPs:

• • Jeffrey Siow promoted to Minister for Transport
  • David Neo promoted to Minister for Culture, Community and Youth
  • Jasmin Lau promoted to Acting Minister for Manpower, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information
  • Goh Pei Ming promoted to Senior Minister of State in Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
  • Dinesh Vasu Dash continue as Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Manpower, and Mayor of South East District
  • Foo Cexiang, Shawn Loh promoted to Ministers of State (MOS) in Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Ministry of Health (MOH), respectively
  • Syed Harun, Goh Han Yan continue as Senior Parliamentary Secretary, both appointed in May 2025

That's six promotions altogether, with two of them (Foo and Loh) going from backbenchers to ranked government positions.

Renewal underway, but still early

Clearly, the 5G leadership from the PAP bench is beginning to take shape, and analysts Mothership spoke to agreed.

However, Teo Kay Key, senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, said that while this is so, these are "still early days".

This is a point which Eugene Tan, political analyst and Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU), echoed.

"The renewal and succession road is a long one — anything between 10 and 15 years before the 5G takes the baton from the 4G," Tan said.

"The promotions reflect a good start — that one year into politics, they are assessed to be ready for bigger roles including Cabinet positions," he added.

Teo noted in particular the promotion of Lau.

"Lau's appointment as acting MOM minister also indicates that there is recognition of her abilities, especially since this is an important ministry to look at in light of the current economic and job uncertainties," she said.

Independent analyst Felix Tan told Mothership that Foo's and Loh's appointments suggest that the PM is "prepared to give promising new officeholders the opportunity to prove themselves".

"It allows them to gain valuable experience while demonstrating how much responsibility they are ready to take on," Tan added.

When asked by Mothership about 5G leadership, PM Wong answered that he had "deliberately" asked officeholders from the "latest batch" to join the press conference as a way to show that "renewal is happening".

"Renewal is happening well," he added, saying, "It will continue to take place, and over time, we will see more of the 5G emerge from this process."

Highest number of female ministers

With Sim Ann's promotion to Second Minister for Home Affairs, there will be five female ministers in Cabinet, the highest ever.

Sim has had a longer runway, over 10 years in the making, to reach a ministerial position.

She debuted in politics in GE2011 and was made Minister for State in 2013.

Felix Tan opined that her promotion suggests PM Wong's "confidence" in her abilities.

Rather than viewing this as a "delayed promotion", it may be better seen as an "opportunity to leverage her institutional experience and provide greater depth to the Cabinet".

It is also an opportunity for her to "demonstrate her leadership" and "further establish herself within the Government's next generation of leaders".

"Importantly too, the promotion reflects the idea that leadership renewal is not solely about bringing in new faces. It is also about recognising experienced officeholders," Tan added.

Teo remarked, "It is an encouraging sign in terms of gender representation. It does suggest that we have more and more women who are capable of helming ministries, and that they are given the chance to do so under PM Wong's government."

Eugene Tan noted that the female Cabinet ministers are in their 50s and 60s, and so the promotion of Sim and Lau is "essential".

"There is still the need to ensure more junior [female] political officeholders are prepared to take over in due course," Tan said.

Shanmugam as Senior Minister

Seasoned Cabinet minister K Shanmugam will be appointed Senior Minister, sharing the same title with former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

In the past, Shanmugam had been the acting PM, such as recently when PM Wong was away for the 48th Asean summit.

While there had traditionally been more than one Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), DPM Gan Kim Yong remains the only one in PM Wong's Cabinet.

As to why Shanmugam may not have been appointed DPM instead, Eugene Tan explained that Shanmugam is a 3G leader.

"And with Gan Kim Yong as DPM, it would be odd for a 4G leader to have two 3G leaders as his deputies," he continued.

"This will likely be [Shanmugam's] terminal ministerial appointment as his successors are being readied to take over from him," Tan opined.

Felix Tan said that there was no "pressing need" for a second DPM at this stage.

He also said that Shanmugam's appointment bore "no surprises", given his experience.

Teo and Eugene Tan made similar remarks, saying that the Senior Minister appointment was a recognition of Shanmugam's role and seniority in government.

The appointment will allow Shanmugam to provide "strategic counsel" while maintaining his other portfolio responsibilities, Felix Tan commented.

"From that perspective, the appointment reflects continuity and the effective use of experience, rather than a shift in the Government's leadership structure," he continued.

Malay-Muslim representation

No new Malay-Muslim representative was appointed or promoted in this Cabinet reshuffle.

The only movement, apart from Zaqy Mohamad's taking over as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, is MOS Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim's sideways shift from MSF to MHA.

He continues to be MOS at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well.

Questions about Malay-Muslim representation and the resignation of former Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim were also raised during the Jul. 22 press conference.

Teo said that while the issue of representation is a "pertinent one", immediate remedies cannot be expected.

"Especially at this current stage when elections are already over and we are looking at a Cabinet reshuffle based on the current slate of MPs," she continued.

Teo also opined that it is "unlikely the decisions for the new Cabinet appointments happened in a similar timeframe [as Faishal's resignation]".

"So it could be the case that this current slate reflects much of the original plan, after some adjustments for Faishal's absence, but there are still a few years left in this term of office, so we might still see more Malay-Muslim representation in the future reshuffles," Teo pointed out.

Eugene Tan also believes that new Malay-Muslim officeholders will be appointed in subsequent reshuffles, stating that "PM is aware of the need to induct more Malay-Muslim MPs into government".

"There cannot be token representation... and I am confident there will be more in this current term of government. The same applies to the Indian representation as well," Tan said.

DPM Gan and Tan See Leng share portfolio at new METI

DPM Gan and Tan See Leng will both be at the helm at the renamed Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The previous time the trade and industry ministry was appointed two ministers was during the September 2015 cabinet reshuffle, with Lim Hng Kiang and S Iswaran appointed to it by then-PM Lee.

During that same reshuffle, the Ministry of Education also had two ministers appointed — Ng Chee Meng and Ong Ye Kung.

"The splitting of responsibilities indicates some continuity together with the changes, since both Gan and Tan will continue with work that they are already familiar with, with the bigger difference being having more direct synergy and collaboration due to them being in one ministry rather than two separate ones," Teo explained.

Tan has been Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, since May 2025.

Eugene Tan noted how the Iran-US war is an "ongoing demonstration" of how Singapore can be "badly impacted" if its energy security is not "sufficiently robust".

On this, PM Wong said that the ministry's name change "reflects the growing and central role of energy in our economic development", describing it as a "national existential matter".

The splitting of responsibilities between two co-ministers is a response to the burgeoning body of work that needs to be done in energy and trade, he explained.

Consolidation and renewal

On the whole, Teo noted that quite a few ministries did not see any major changes, but there are plans for newer political officeholders to take up "heavier responsibilities".

Only MOM will see a new face in its top political office. MHA and the soon-to-be METI will see additions.

All other ministers have remained in situ.

There is also a focus on the economic, manpower and employment side of things, Teo noted.

The Cabinet reshuffle signifies that PM Wong is "aware of the challenges ahead going into a much more volatile international political and economic environment".

It also signifies that he wants to make sure that there are "stable hands on deck for the ministries where there are no major changes", Teo commented.

For Eugene Tan, the reshuffle was about "consolidation and renewal" and a signal that there is "sufficient depth and breadth in the PAP MPs".

"PM is clearly moulding the Cabinet in significant ways with the focus now on the 5G leadership. It appears that PM believes that the leadership pipeline can and must be more robust," Tan said.

Prior to Cabinet announcements on Jul.22, there were questions about whether the May resignation of then-SMS Koh Poh Koon and the abrupt resignation of Faishal Ibrahim could expedite a reshuffling.

Tan believes that they did.

"PM probably felt the imperative to show that there was sufficient breadth and depth in the PAP team and that any gaps resulting from the two resignations would be quickly plugged," he explained.

Here's what PM Wong said about the Cabinet announcements:

"We are giving the newer and younger officeholders greater responsibilities as they step up. At the same time, we are maintaining continuity and experience in the core leadership team."

"This balance matters – because Singapore needs both experienced leaders to steer through immediate challenges, and a new generation ready to take us forward. Leadership renewal is therefore a continuous process."

A man was commended after making three trips to a public housing flat to return a “completely intact” lost wallet.

In a TikTok, screenshots from doorbell camera footage revealed that the man showed up outside the flat on multiple occasions.

Two of the screenshots showed the man waiting during the day, while the remaining screenshots showed him outside the flat at night.

According to the captions, the man, identified as Riad, apparently “took the trouble to visit” the wallet owner’s home on multiple occasions, once in the afternoon and “again as late as” 10pm.

Declined reward

Riad returned to the flat on a third occasion on Jul. 18 and handed the wallet to the family.

The wallet was returned “completely intact, including all the cash inside”.

The owner offered Riad a reward, but he reportedly “politely but firmly refused”.

The caption read: “It is truly heartening and reassuring to know that we have such upright, dedicated service personnel working in our estate. Your integrity reflects very well on your entire team, and I am incredibly thankful for your help.”

The estate's location was not disclosed.

Checks by Mothership found that Riad’s shirt appears to bear the logo of Lian Cheng Contracting, a cleaning service contracting firm.

In response to Mothership's queries, the TikTok user said Riad was "a remarkable person" and his company apparently had "rewarded him".

"There are still such honest and helpful person," the user said.

A 28-year-old Indonesian domestic worker was sentenced to one year in jail after she stole over S$56,000 in cash from her 82-year-old employer to top up her online gambling account.

Shin Min Daily News reported that Khairunisa Pryska Dianti was responsible for caring for her employer's daily needs.

After stealing the money on at least 57 occasions over eight months, she pleaded guilty on Jul. 21 to one count of theft.

Stole money at least 57 times

In October 2025, the accused secretly memorised her employer's ATM PIN number while assisting the elderly woman in using her debit card to withdraw money.

Addicted to online gambling, Khairunisa came up with the idea to steal to raise funds for her gambling, Shin Min reported.

Between October 2025 and May 12, 2026, she took her employer's bank card from her handbag at least 57 times while the elderly woman was sleeping or watching television.

Despite pretending to go shopping, Khairunisa had been visiting ATMs near Tiong Bahru MRT station to withdraw money.

According to Shin Min, she stole between S$500 and S$1,000 from the her employer's account each time.

Joint account funds

When her employer's personal account balance became insufficient, Khairunisa would transfer funds from the joint account of the elderly woman and her son, into the elderly woman's account.

Khairunisa then continued to withdraw money, and stole a total of S$56,071.71 without her employer's knowledge, Shin Min reported.

After each successful transaction, Khairunisa would transfer the money to her own account before transferring it to an Indonesian bank account through a remittance company.

She would then use the money to top up her gambling account but eventually lost all the money.

Discovered crime, arrested

On the evening of May 12, 2026, the victim's son discovered unusual transactions in the joint account.

After inquiring with the bank, he uncovered multiple unauthorised transfers and withdrawals and confronted Khairunisa the following day.

She admitted to the crime, and he immediately reported it to the police.

Shin Min reported that the police arrested Khairunisa and recovered S$2,400 of stolen money, which was returned to the victim.

To date, Khairunisa has not made full restitution.

Unless your last name is Musk, you’re probably not hitching a ride on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy anytime soon.

But while SpaceX captures imaginations with rockets and Mars missions, investors may want to think about a more down-to-earth question: how do you build a global portfolio without needing a massive starting budget?

Here’s the good news: the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has given everyday investors a local launchpad called Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs) to access overseas companies affordably.

Instead of needing a large sum to buy into individual foreign stocks, you can use a smaller budget—say S$1,000—to build exposure across several global names, including companies linked to the digital, consumer and space economies.

Here’s why SDRs are the ultimate financial rocket fuel for the common man on the street.

What exactly is an SDR?

It’s an investment instrument traded right here on the SGX that represents shares of a major company listed overseas (like Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the U.S.).

Instead of the hassle of converting into foreign currency, opening a complicated foreign trading account and navigating overseas market rules, you just buy the SDR in Singapore dollars through your usual local broker.

Why SDRs are a flex

SDRs are not new and interest in them is growing exponentially.

Over the course of the past year, the daily traded value of SDRs more than tripled to over S$12 million while assets under management (AUM) more than doubled to over S$270 million, with the most popular names being Alibaba, BYD, and Tencent.

So why have SDRs become so popular?

1. Affordable: No "Crazy Rich Asians" budget required

Overseas stocks often force you to buy huge "board lots" that cost a fortune. SDRs chop those up into bite-sized pieces (known as “fractionalising”), making it the more affordable option if you don’t have that much capital to invest.

TL;DR: More cash on hand for your next vacation.

2. Convenient: Because who has time for currency math?

If doing mental currency conversion gives you a headache, you’re going to love this.

SDRs are traded on the SGX during normal Singapore market hours, using the exact same local brokerage account you use for everything else.

No need to stay up at ungodly hours monitoring your stocks.

Buying overseas-listed stocks means having to maintain a multi-currency account to transfer in and exchange foreign currencies either through your bank or directly on a trading app.

This is a massive hassle because most of us earn, save, and invest in SGD.

SDRs make it super simple by removing the chore of juggling multiple currencies like HKD, USD, or THB in different sub-accounts.

To fix this, SGX has launched these SDRs, which allow you to trade popular foreign stocks with all the conversion simplified and done for you.

In other words, you can see everything and trade entirely in SGD.

3. Competitive: Fewer hidden fees

Since everything happens in SGD directly on our local exchange, there are no painful or hidden FX conversion charges to contend with and no stamp duties to cough up.

Brokers also tend to charge lower commissions for trading on the SGX as compared to overseas markets.

And if you hold your SDRs directly in your Central Depository (CDP) account, the custody fee is just $0.

Nobody is charging you a monthly fee for simply letting your investments sit there and look pretty.

Sounds great. What SDRs are available?

Currently, there are 38 SDRs across four markets (Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and the U.S.).

The SDRs span a wide range of industries such as communication services, technology, energy, and consumer goods, which is perfect for those who want to diversify their portfolio.

Looking to tap on the artificial intelligence (AI) boom? SDRs give you access to companies like chipmaker SMIC and robot manufacturer UBtech, among others.

Or if you see potential in the global EV transition, SDRs help you own a slice of EV manufacturers BYD and Geely.

For those who are looking to invest in regional financial institutions, SDRs allow you to buy into Indonesia’s Bank Central Asia and Thailand’s Kasikornbank.

If you’re interested in U.S. stocks, here’s the good news: From Jul. 22, you will be able to access U.S.-listed companies like SpaceX, Grab and Sea via SDR.

One big advantage of U.S. SDRs is that they will be traded in even smaller board lots of 10 units, making the minimum investments for Grab, SpaceX, and Sea less than S$30.

The Bottom Line: If you have a favourite brand and love its products, why not invest in that brand’s growth too? With SDRs, you can easily become an owner, building your wealth using the brands you love. Your wallet will thank you.

Keen to start investing with SDRs? Check out this list of retail brokers that offer access to trading on the SGX.

Thanks to this sponsored content by SGX, this writer has broadened his understanding of investing.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officers caught 16 drivers providing illegal cross-border ride-hailing services in Singapore in the past month.

This was announced by the LTA and Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling on Jul. 21, 2026.

LTA conducted operations at land checkpoints and the downtown area.

Based on the photos shared, the vehicles involved appeared to be foreign-registered ones.

Sun wrote that the authorities have checked over 5,000 vehicles and impounded 222 vehicles since July 2025.

"Our enforcement against illegal cross-border ride-hailing services continues. These efforts aim to keep commuters safe and to protect the livelihoods of our local point-to-point transport drivers," Sun wrote.

The public can report any suspected cases of illegal cross-border transport services.

LTA added: "For your safety, only book a licensed cross-border ride-hailing service on Grab or have a Singapore-registered cross-border taxi pick you up anywhere in Singapore, for drop-off anywhere in Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai."

A coffee shop in Bedok is reportedly experiencing low footfall and poor business.

The owner of MunCheng Coffee Shop, located at Block 510 Bedok North Street 3, apparently accumulated losses of about S$1 million since he took over the business in 2024, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Only four out of 10 stalls — a drinks stall, an economic rice stall, an Indian food stall, and a pastry stall — have been rented out and are operational.

According to Shin Min, the monthly rent for each stall is about S$2,500.

Lack of customers

Li (transliterated), a 30-year-old who runs the economic rice stall, told Shin Min that many stalls close after only a few months of operation.

He attributed the closures to the inability to sustain the business rather than the rent.

Li cited the lack of customers but “can’t explain why nobody comes”.

The pastry stall owner, who remained anonymous, told Shin Min he had operated his stall for about two years.

He claimed that business in 2026 had dropped by about 40 per cent compared to the previous year.

“We’re barely making ends meet, and it’s not just here. Other coffee shops and hawker centres nearby aren’t doing well either,” he reportedly said.

Losses

Chen, the owner of MunCheng Coffee Shop, told Shin Min that the coffee shop has been operating for about two-and-a-half years.

Half of the stalls were apparently already vacant when he took over.

Chen reportedly invested over S$500,000 in renovations.

He claimed that he chose the location of the coffee shop as there were nearby flats and a market.

Chen apparently thought that there would be footfall.

However, he did not expect the stall turnover rate to be high, and now he hoped to rent the stalls out “as soon as possible” to reduce losses.

Chen reportedly revealed that he lost money every month for the past two years, totalling about S$1 million.

To reduce operating costs, two employees from the drinks stall were apparently laid off.

Chen said everyone was cutting costs as “the market was bad”.

“At our peak, we had six employees, but we've been laying off staff one after another, and now we might only have two left," he said.

A tenant at another coffee shop said the area is increasingly becoming more aged, with more seniors around.

The Kaki Bukit 511 Market & Food Centre, a stone's throw away, has been experiencing fewer diners over the years, especially after the pandemic, a stall tenant there said.

The reason for the decline was not clear though.

A 49-year-old woman was apprehended after locking herself in a flat in Bukit Panjang for more than two hours.

The incident occurred on Jul. 21 at about 3pm at a second-floor unit at Block 207 Petir Road.

In a TikTok, emergency responders and vehicles were present at the scene with safety life air packs deployed.

In response to queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force said they received a call for assistance to the incident.

Upon arrival, officers found that the woman had locked herself in her residential unit and might pose a danger to herself.

The police's Special Operations Command (SOC) and Crisis Negotiation Unit, along with SCDF, were deployed to the scene.

Two safety life air packs were deployed.

Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) rescuers rappelled from the unit above as a precautionary measure.

Officers managed to gain entry into the unit at about 5:30pm.

The woman was subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health Act and conveyed to Woodlands Hospital.

Neighbour

According to Shin Min Daily News, more than 20 police officers had gathered along the second-floor corridor.

The woman’s husband was reportedly seen speaking with emergency responders.

A resident living next to the unit, Xiao (transliterated), told Shin Min that the unit is home to a middle-aged couple who moved in about six or seven years ago.

Her husband works in an administrative role at a military camp, while the woman apparently used to work in the computer-related industry and is currently unemployed.

Xiao claimed she had a good relationship with the woman and they often visit each other's homes to chat.

The woman reportedly came to her home the previous night and mentioned to her that her granddaughter was unwell.

A couple was spotted lying on a display bed at an IKEA store in Taiwan, kissing and touching each other openly in full view of other shoppers.

The incident sparked debate online after a parent posted about it.

According to Oriental Daily, a parent posted about the incident on Threads after her child alerted her that someone in the display area was "lying on the bed kissing and touching each other”.

When she went to take a look, she found the couple being intimate on the display bed, completely oblivious to the shoppers around them.

She noted that the woman was wearing a low-cut top, and when lying on her side, her lace lingerie was visible, drawing stares from passers-by.

The parent said people should maintain basic boundaries in public places, adding that couples who want to be intimate should "go home, go to the car, or get a room".

She also questioned whether IKEA staff would step in if they saw such behaviour.

What commenters said

The post sparked discussion online, with many criticising the couple for lacking public etiquette.

Others lamented that the boundaries of public spaces seemed to be increasingly blurred.

One commenter who claimed to know an IKEA employee, said such incidents actually occur from time to time, and that staff generally turn a blind eye as long as things do not get out of hand.

One commenter wrote: "I really don't understand what these people are thinking. If you're in the mood, can you please go somewhere with no one around?”

Many others zeroed in on the hygiene of the display beds.

Another said: "You have no idea who was lying there before you, and you still dare to put your head on the pillow."