SGOwnership & classification
Founded: 1845
Ownership
The Straits Times, founded in 1845, is Singapore's flagship English daily, published by SPH Media Trust (SMT). SMT was incorporated in July 2021 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee after the media business was hived off from the listed Singapore Press Holdings. SPH's newspaper operations were brought under a 1974 management-shares regime that gives the government effective approval over the appointment of key shareholders, so editorial control has long sat with state-aligned interests rather than truly independent owners.
Funding
SMT runs on a not-for-profit model funded by advertising and subscriptions supplemented by substantial government support — the Singapore government pledged up to S$900 million over five years from 2022, tied to reach and engagement targets.
Affiliation & stance
Through the management-shares system and direct government funding, The Straits Times is structurally tied to the Singapore state and is widely regarded as reflecting the ruling People's Action Party government's line on national issues. Because it is controlled and substantially funded by state-aligned interests rather than independent private owners, it is classified DEPENDENT (matching the site's DEPENDENT/CENTER_RIGHT labelling).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 426
85/100
Factual
84/100
Objective
563
Articles
563
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Key North-South Corridor works producing most noise, dust to be completed by end-2027: Jeffrey Siow
The Straits Times reports that Jeffrey Siow, a senior minister, stated that the most disruptive construction work on the Key North-South Corridor, specifically related to noise and dust, will be completed by the end of 2027. Once this phase is finished, efforts will focus on restoring roads, footpaths, and other affected areas starting in 2028. This project is part of Singapore’s ongoing infrastructure development aimed at improving transportation efficiency and connectivity across the city-state. The timeline indicates a phased approach to minimize disruption during the construction process.
Proposed changes to Muslim law include simpler divorce process, strengthened welfare of children
The Straits Times reports on proposed changes to Muslim law in Singapore, which aim to simplify the divorce process for couples using talak tafwidh. Under the new proposal, individuals seeking to end their marriage through this method would no longer need to appoint a marital conciliator. These reforms are intended to streamline legal procedures and improve the welfare of children involved in such divorces. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to modernize family laws while maintaining religious principles. The article highlights these updates but does not provide further details on the broader implications or opposition to the proposals.
LTA calls tender for rail noise reduction for Thomson-East Coast Line
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore has called for tenders to implement rail noise reduction measures along specific sections of the Thomson-East Coast Line. The proposed installations will cover segments between Springleaf and Lentor stations, as well as between Bright Hill and Upper Thomson stations. This initiative aims to mitigate noise pollution caused by train operations in residential areas. The project is part of broader efforts to improve urban living conditions through infrastructure upgrades.
First Kpod smuggler sentenced under Misuse of Drugs Act jailed 3 years and caned
A man named Png Swee Sheng, aged 39, has been sentenced to three years in jail and caning under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act after being caught at the Woodlands Checkpoint with over 200 drug pods. This marks the first instance of someone being convicted under this specific provision of the law. The case highlights the strict enforcement of drug laws in Singapore, where possession and trafficking of controlled substances carry severe penalties. The sentence reflects the country's zero-tolerance approach toward drug-related offenses.
Woman fined $5k for cheating by posing as Marriott associate’s sister to get hotel stay discounts
A woman named Kao Jane Zhao was fined $5,000 for engaging in fraudulent behavior by impersonating the sister of a Marriott associate to obtain hotel stay discounts totaling nearly $3,400. She admitted guilt to a cheating charge related to over $1,500 in discrepancies. The case highlights legal repercussions for deceptive practices in hospitality services.
Aerial activities banned within Singapore Grand Prix race restricted area from Oct 8-12
Singapore has implemented a temporary ban on aerial activities within the restricted area of the Singapore Grand Prix from October 8 to October 12. This measure aims to enhance public safety and facilitate helicopter operations for aerial filming during the event. The restriction applies to all unauthorized aerial activities in the designated zone, ensuring the smooth conduct of the Formula One race and related media coverage. Such measures are common at large-scale events to manage airspace and prevent disruptions.
Haze in Singapore: Air quality remains unhealthy for much of the island
Singapore experienced poor air quality across most of the country on October 6, with the north, east, west, and central regions registering Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) values above 101, indicating unhealthy air. The south remained in the moderate range. PM2.5 levels were elevated in three regions, with the central area reaching 60, while the south had lower readings. The worst air quality occurred between 9pm and midnight on October 4, peaking at 136 in the central region. The National Environment Agency warned of continued high pollution levels due to wind patterns and ongoing haze from neighboring Indonesia. This marks the first time since October 2023 that Singapore has faced unhealthy haze levels, with some experts predicting extended haze periods in 2026 due to the 'Godzilla' El Nino event. The Meteorological Service Singapore noted that El Nino delays the end of the dry season, pushing the transition to the rainy season to late October or early November.
1 dead, another injured in Telok Blangah; man arrested: Police
A 32-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection to a fatal incident in Telok Blangah, Singapore. The incident resulted in one death and another person being injured. The suspect was arrested by police, who confirmed the charges against him. No further details regarding the nature of the incident or the identities of the victims were provided in the report.
Birthday cakes, money bouquet among undeclared goods found at Singapore checkpoints
The headline reports that items such as birthday cakes and money bouquets were discovered at Singapore checkpoints, indicating potential undeclared goods being transported across borders. The focus appears to be on customs enforcement efforts and the discovery of non-declarable items. There is no indication of political controversy or specific policy debate related to this incident.
OldTown White Coffee to close last Singapore outlet in Kallang Wave Mall
OldTown White Coffee, a well-known Singaporean café chain, has announced that its last remaining outlet in Kallang Wave Mall will cease operations on October 11. This marks the end of the brand's physical presence in Singapore after years of operation. The closure is part of the company's strategic decision to streamline its locations. No further details were provided regarding the reasons behind the closure or any potential future plans for the brand.
Singapore to join international agreement on neutrality of the Panama Canal
Singapore has announced its intention to join an international agreement aimed at ensuring the neutrality of the Panama Canal. This move comes amid ongoing discussions between Singapore and Panama regarding a bilateral mutual legal assistance treaty. The agreement would reinforce the canal's role as a neutral transit route for global shipping, which is crucial for maintaining stable international trade flows. By joining this agreement, Singapore seeks to align itself with global efforts to uphold maritime neutrality principles. Additionally, the two nations are working on a separate legal cooperation framework to enhance collaboration in areas such as criminal investigations and evidence sharing.
New Hougang facility set up for mental health residents as S’pore rethinks long-term psychiatric care
The article reports on the establishment of a new mental health facility in Hougang, Singapore, which aims to provide long-term psychiatric care with a focus on independent living and vocational skills. The facility is part of Singapore’s broader rethinking of how it approaches long-term psychiatric care, emphasizing more community-based and rehabilitative support rather than traditional institutional models. The hub includes multiple services designed to promote recovery and integration into daily life. While the article highlights the initiative's goals, it does not delve into specific controversies or political debates surrounding the reform.
MOM urges voluntary safety timeout for firms in construction, transportation and storage sectors
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has called for a voluntary safety timeout for companies operating in the construction, transportation, and storage sectors. This recommendation follows seven reported workplace deaths since September, highlighting concerns over worker safety in these industries. The initiative aims to encourage businesses to review their safety protocols and practices to prevent further incidents. While the measure is voluntary, it underscores the government's focus on improving occupational safety standards across high-risk sectors.