Singapore Current Affairs Digest (August 2025)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key events and facts from the August 2025 Singapore-related notes across crime, health, education, technology, economy, and international relations.

What charge was Ong Jian Zhen, 34, facing on Aug 25 after deportation from Thailand?

Hacking; he was deported from Thailand and had been initially charged in Oct 2021.

Which substance was listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act from Sep 1?

Etomidate (listed as a drug of concern).

How many vapes were seized at Singapore's borders over five days?

More than 850 vapes.

What was the alleged crime of the Singaporean doctor Ryan Cho in Australia?

Secretly recording about 4,500 videos in hospital restrooms; bail granted.

What major project did Thomson Medical launch in August 2025?

The US$4.3 billion Johor Bay Project within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Which company faced bribery and money laundering allegations in Aug 2021, along with executives?

Fullerton Healthcare Corporation; executives included David Sin, Michael Tan, and Daniel Chan.

How much money was involved in the drug raids announced on Aug 15?

Over US$128,000 worth of drugs seized.

Which defence ministers met on Aug 25 to reaffirm ties?

Chan Chun Sing (Singapore) and Mohamad Khaled Nordin (Malaysia).

Which international body announced it would set up an office in Singapore?

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID); secretary-general Martina Polasek.

What did SM Lee Hsien Loong say about SG-Japan ties on Aug 24?

He hailed enduring Singapore-Japan ties.

What AI-based system did LTA test to improve enforcement along bus lanes?

An AI system that analyses bus camera footage to spot vehicles in bus lanes.

Which bank launched a US$1 billion digital US Commercial paper programme?

OCBC (Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation).

What happened to Singapore's core inflation in July?

It edged down to 0.5%.

What was the Cat A COE premium around Aug 20?

Over US$104,000 (Singapore dollars equivalent).

What happened to Tokenie Xchange on Aug 15?

Placed under interim judicial management.

Which shipping disaster led to a US$1 billion damages award dispute involving Singapore?

Sri Lanka's MV X-Press Pearl disaster; damages award contested by SG shipowners.

What was CDL’s profit growth in the first half of 2025?

3.9% profit growth.

Which Jalan Besar GRC MP joined NTUC on Aug 13?

Wan Rizal.

What major aircraft order did Korean Air announce on Aug 26?

Order for 103 Boeing jets, comprising a mix of 787s/777s/737s.

What is the name of the joint drills conducted by Indonesia, the US and allies on Aug 25?

Annual 'Super Garuda Shield' drills (noted in the report as 'Super Ganda shield').

What cross-border service did Malaysia hope to enable with Singapore?

Cross-border ride-hailing services between Malaysia and Singapore.

Which country did Wang Yi plan to visit to discuss the border dispute?

India.

What defence budget target did Taiwan plan to exceed?

Defence budget of over 3% of GDP.

What was HK's arrest related to on Aug 19, and what was the amount involved?

Two arrests over a water scam worth about US$7 million.

What scam warning did MOE issue on Aug 22?

Warning about fake tuition institutes targeting students; MOE via Parents Gateway and ScamShield Helpline.

How many government-funded GRIT traineeships were offered from October?

Up to 800 traineeships, 3–6 months each, about 70% funded by the government.

What fostering policy did MSF propose on Aug 23 to attract more fosters?

Increase fostering allowances and remove income/education criteria; rollout planned around Nov 2025.

What expansion did Zoom announce in Singapore?

Open a new 7,500 sq ft office as part of Asia-Pacific expansion.

What did Singtel report for Q1 profits on Aug 13?

A rise of 14% to about US$686 million, aided by Optus and regional partners.

What is the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) planned to be, and where will it be located?

New Islamic college; to be located next to SUSS in Rochor; first batch in 2028.

What will the NDR 2025 propose for Toa Payoh and the northern areas?

New Age Neighbourhoods with better connectivity and long-term care planning; Toa Payoh and northern SG (Kranji, Sembawang) included.