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 494
85/100
Factual
84/100
Objective
662
Articles
650
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
What parents want: More childcare leave, less pressure over maternity leave, and room for joy
The article discusses parental concerns in Singapore regarding childcare leave policies and the pressures faced by families. Parents, like Kristen Kiong, express dissatisfaction with the current six-day childcare leave entitlement, which decreases to two days when children start primary school. They argue this system lacks incentives for larger families and fails to address the practical challenges of caring for multiple children. Kiong, a part-time speech therapist, highlights how frequent illnesses among children quickly deplete childcare leave and impact work-life balance. Parents generally seek more financial support, extended leave, and subsidies for enrichment activities and medical expenses. These issues are being addressed in the context of Singapore's low fertility rate and ongoing government reviews aimed at improving family support. The discussion takes place ahead of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech, where he is expected to announce new measures.
NDR 2026: Sentosa’s west coast to get better access, new Downtown South resort to be built on Brani
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans during his National Day Rally speech to improve public access to Sentosa's western coastline, known for its natural features, while preserving its environment. This initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences and connect residents with nature. Additionally, a new Downtown South resort will be developed on Pulau Brani following the relocation of port operations to Tuas Port by 2027. The development includes land reclamation to integrate Sentosa and Pulau Brani into a single destination, along with infrastructure improvements such as a people mover system and potential water taxi services. These plans align with the Greater Sentosa Master Plan, which outlines long-term transformations for both islands, including new attractions like a canopy walk to Mount Imbiah and a multi-purpose venue at Siloso Beach. The resort will be managed by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), reflecting ongoing discussions between past and current leadership regarding the redevelopment of the southern waterfront.
NDR 2026: Singapore's multiracial character will endure even as country stays open to newcomers, says PM Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore emphasized during his National Day Rally speech that the country's multiracial and multireligious character will persist despite ongoing openness to immigrants. He assured Singaporeans that their cultural identities will be preserved and that the current ethnic balance will be maintained. Wong acknowledged demographic challenges, including a declining birth rate, and highlighted the importance of immigration in sustaining the population and economy. He stated that Singapore's identity is defined by commitment to shared values rather than ancestry, and that newcomers contribute positively to national development. The government aims to manage the foreign workforce carefully while ensuring Singaporeans remain the majority.
NDR 2026: Higher income ceiling for BTO flats, ECs; more ballot chances for first-timers with kids
Singapore has raised the income ceiling for purchasing Build-To-Order (BTO) flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs) to accommodate rising household incomes. The new limits are $16,000 for families and $8,000 for singles for BTO flats, while ECs now allow applicants with up to $18,000 in monthly income. These changes, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his National Day Rally speech, aim to ensure continued access to subsidized public housing as Singaporeans marry later and earn more. The adjustments take effect from August 24, 2026, and apply to future developments but not to existing ECs. The move follows previous increases in 2019 and reflects ongoing efforts to meet housing demand. The government reports improved success rates for BTO bookings and stabilized resale markets, with declining prices in recent quarters.
NDR 2026: Govt prepared to raise minimum age beyond 13 for social media platforms with weak safeguards
The Singaporean government is considering raising the minimum age for accessing social media platforms beyond 13 years old for those with insufficient safety measures. This initiative aims to enhance online safety for teenagers by requiring platforms to implement stronger safeguards against addictive features. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted concerns about the impact of endless scrolling and constant engagement on young users, noting that one in six individuals aged 10 to 24 in Singapore exhibit signs of problematic social media use. He emphasized the need for proactive regulation, comparing the challenges posed by social media to those faced with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The government plans to mandate more reliable age verification systems to ensure compliance with minimum age requirements, as self-declaration by users has proven ineffective. Further details on these regulations are expected soon.
NDR 2026: S’pore takes US allegations seriously, but can’t trace every product passing through
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the United States' allegations regarding forced labor in Singapore's exports, noting that while Singapore cannot fully trace every product's supply chain, it remains committed to preventing illegal trade practices. During his National Day Rally speech, he highlighted broader global tensions and shifts in international relations, attributing them to China's rise as a peer competitor to the U.S., along with increased assertiveness from other regions like Europe and India. He emphasized the fragmentation of global power and the resulting changes in trade dynamics, including the impact of geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis on global supply chains and energy security. Wong pointed out that these developments have led to a greater emphasis on national security in economic decision-making, with governments increasingly using trade, technology, and investment as tools for strategic goals.
NDR 2026: Trust remains one of Singapore’s greatest strengths amid a fast-changing world, says PM Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted trust as Singapore's key strength in an increasingly unstable global environment during his National Day Rally speech. He emphasized that Singapore's success relies on maintaining trust with countries, businesses, and investors, citing the rule of law and reliable institutions as foundational elements. Wong acknowledged rising risks from geopolitical tensions and technological advancements but stressed that Singapore must remain outward-looking and connected to the global economy. He outlined plans to strengthen ASEAN unity and expand international partnerships while ensuring national resilience, particularly after recent crises like the Middle East situation. The speech underscored Singapore's commitment to adapting to long-term challenges while preserving its reputation as a trustworthy and stable nation.
NDR 2026: Cap on dialect film screenings to be lifted with Mandarin-dubbed versions and subtitles
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to lift the cap on dialect film screenings starting in September 2026, provided these films include Mandarin-dubbed versions and Chinese subtitles. This policy shift aims to accommodate dialects while continuing to promote Mandarin, which remains dominant in free-to-air broadcasts. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information clarified that films with majority dialect content or entirely in dialect must meet these criteria to benefit from the relaxed rules. Subscription TV will no longer face restrictions on dialect content, including allowing multiple dialect arthouse films weekly. The announcement follows debates around the Chinese film 'Dear You,' which was initially limited to 10 screenings due to its Teochew dialect content. After public discussion, the Infocomm Media Development Authority allowed broader distribution of the Mandarin-dubbed version while maintaining access to the Teochew version for niche screenings. Film-makers Eric Khoo and Jack Neo criticized the policy as outdated, noting that over 1,000 additional screenings of 'Dear You' have been approved since the IMDA's revised stance.
NDR 2026: S’pore to showcase Chinese heritage with new gallery and exhibition
Singapore is planning to open a new Chinese Heritage Gallery in 2031 to celebrate and educate about the history and contributions of the Chinese community. Announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his National Day Rally speech, the gallery will be developed by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and supported by government agencies. The project aims to present a comprehensive narrative of the Chinese community's role in Singapore's development, spanning from pre-14th century to modern times. To ensure inclusivity and historical accuracy, SCCC is consulting various cultural institutions and engaging with community leaders, clan associations, and youth. A traveling exhibition will precede the gallery's opening, visiting multiple locations across Singapore to engage the public and gather input.
NDR 2026: Team of Malay/Muslim office-holders, MPs to be continually renewed and strengthened
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced at the 2026 National Day Rally that the team of Malay/Muslim office-holders and MPs will continue to be renewed and strengthened. He highlighted the contributions of newer members like Minister of State Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Syed Harun Alhabsyi, both of whom brought private-sector experience into politics. Wong emphasized ongoing initiatives such as the Committee for Economic Resilience, aimed at supporting Malay/Muslim workers and businesses through economic adaptation. He also mentioned the leadership transition in Muslim Affairs, with Zaqy Mohamad succeeding Faishal Ibrahim after the latter's resignation over personal conduct issues. The PM reiterated the importance of collaboration across organizations like Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council, and the People’s Association to enhance community programs such as Santunan Emas.
Ecuador President to make South American country’s first state visit to Singapore
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azin is set to make the first state visit by a South American leader to Singapore, from August 23 to 24. The visit, invited by Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, aims to strengthen bilateral ties in areas like agriculture, logistics, and digitalization. During the visit, Noboa will meet with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and attend a state banquet. The two leaders will sign a memorandum of understanding focused on development cooperation, covering topics such as education, governance, sustainability, and trade. Singapore and Ecuador have maintained diplomatic relations since 1994, with significant trade volumes in goods and services. Singapore-based companies operate in Ecuador, particularly in agriculture and logistics, highlighting economic collaboration between the two nations.
Missing: 14-year-old girl last seen near NEX shopping mall on July 24
A 14-year-old girl named Sarah Fitriyana Abdullah has been missing for nearly three weeks since she was last seen near the NEX shopping mall in Serangoon on July 24. Police have issued another appeal for information, noting this is the second time she has been reported missing in 2026. She was previously reported missing on May 11 and was found over a month later on June 16. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact them through their hotline or website.
As bicycle accidents hit 4-year high, cyclists call for more mutual respect from peers, road users
Singapore experienced a four-year high in cyclist-related accidents in 2025, with 772 incidents including 17 fatalities. Educator Joseph Lee suffered serious injuries in a collision with a taxi, highlighting the dangers faced by cyclists. Police reported that over half of these accidents involved cyclists breaking traffic rules, such as running red lights. During a parliamentary debate, Senior Minister of State Sim Ann emphasized the blame-shifting among road users and called for improved road culture. Steven Lim of the Singapore Cycling Federation criticized the growing hostility between road users, noting that some cyclists believe traffic laws do not apply to them. He warned that this mindset could lead to societal breakdown if unaddressed.