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      [](https://www.asiaone.com/) - ··· - [Latest](https://www.asiaone.com/lite) - ··· - News - ··· - [Entertainment](https://www.asiaone.com/showbiz) - ··· - [Lifestyle](https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle) - ··· - [Video](https://www.asiaone.com/video) - ··· - [Digicult](https://www.asiaone.com/digital) - ··· - [EarthOne](https://www.asiaone.com/earth-one) - ··· - More - ··· [singapore](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore) # 4 lions at Night Safari test positive for Covid-19, ordered to be isolated  AVS has issued an order to isolate all nine Asiatic lions in their respective dens in the Night Safari. PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Reserve PUBLISHED ON**November 10, 2021 1:13 AM**By[**Cheryl Tan**](https://www.asiaone.com/byline/cheryl-tan) SINGAPORE - Four lions at the Night Safari have tested positive for Covid-19, said the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) on Tuesday (Nov 9). The government agency said the four Asiatic lions at the Night Safari, as well as one African lion at the Singapore Zoo, had exhibited mild signs of sickness including coughing, sneezing and lethargy on Saturday and Monday respectively. This was upon exposure to staff from Mandai Wildlife Group who later tested positive for Covid-19. The AVS, which comes under the National Parks Board, tested samples from all four of the Asiatic lions, which came back positive. Testing is ongoing for the African lion that had shown signs of sickness. AVS has issued an order under the Animals and Birds Act to Mandai Wildlife Group to isolate all nine Asiatic lions and five African lions in their respective dens. This includes the five that have displayed symptoms. AVS said it is working with Mandai Wildlife Group to closely monitor the health of the lions and will be testing samples from the remaining lions. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), there is currently no evidence that animals play a role in the spread of the disease to humans, although there have been sporadic and isolated reports in other countries of animals testing positive after coming into close contact with humans infected with Covid-19. Dr Sonja Luz, vice-president of conservation, research and veterinary services at the Mandai Wildlife Group, said on Tuesday that the Asiatic lion exhibit along the tram route in the Night Safari has been closed since Sunday after the lions tested positive. “All the lions remain bright, alert and are eating well. There has been evidence that animals in general do not fall seriously ill from the virus. “We expect that the lions will make full recovery with minor supportive treatment. However, anti-inflammatory (drugs) and antibiotics may be prescribed if further treatment is needed,” said Dr Luz. She added that since the onset of Covid-19 last year, safety measures have been put in place to reduce the likelihood of asymptomatic animal carers passing the disease to susceptible species. “In light of today’s development, we are taking steps to further strengthen these handling protocols, including routine antigen rapid testing for the animal care team,” said Dr Luz. Animals can be infected with Covid-19, and infections among pet dogs, minks, raccoon dogs and zoo animals such as tigers and lions have been reported before. Last month, 11 African lions at the Denver Zoo in the United States tested positive for the Delta variant. It was unclear how transmission had occurred. [Read Also asia 8 lions in Indian zoo test positive for Covid-19](https://www.asiaone.com/asia/8-lions-indian-zoo-test-positive-covid-19 "8 lions in Indian zoo test positive for Covid-19") A nine-year-old lioness at a zoo in Chennai, India, died in early June from coronavirus infection, local media there had reported. The feline was among nine lions that had tested positive for the virus, two of which were in critical condition, Chennai’s The New Indian Express had reported then. Two cases of human-to-cat Covid-19 transmission in Britain were reported in the journal Veterinary Research in late April, providing further evidence of such spread. While there have been very few reports of animals passing back Covid-19 to humans, the World Health Organisation in May last year said there were reports of mink farmers in northern Europe being infected by coronavirus strains that had moved from humans to minks and back to humans. Zoo animals in other countries have also received Covid-19 vaccinations, though infectious diseases experts have said it is not necessary to do so. In January, apes living in the San Diego Zoo were vaccinated with an experimental vaccine by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis, after a Covid-19 cluster was detected among a troop of gorillas living there. Subsequently, big cats, bears and ferrets in the the Oakland Zoo in California were inoculated in July to prevent coronavirus spread among the animals there. *This article was first published in* [*The Straits Times*](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/four-asiatic-lions-at-night-safari-test-positive-for-covid-19). *Permission required for reproduction.* [COVID-19](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/covid-19)[coronavirus](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/coronavirus)[Lion](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/lion)[wildlife](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/wildlife) Share this article [singapore](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore) # NDP tank hits traffic light: NSF responded with the appropriate SOP, says Mindef  The L2SGs will resume their participation in National Day Parade 2025, said Mindef. PHOTO: Screengrab/TikTok/@kneegrowth PUBLISHED ON**July 11, 2025 4:15 AM**By[**Dana Leong**](https://www.asiaone.com/byline/dana-leong) The full-time national serviceman (NSF) operating the Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) involved in a recent incident responded with the appropriate standard operating procedure, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef). In a statement on Friday (July 11), Mindef said that [investigations into the technical issue experienced by the L2SG on July 5](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/tank-bumps-traffic-light-during-national-day-parade-national-education-show) have concluded and that the tanks will resume participation in the NDP mobile column. "The L2SG operator, a full-time National Serviceman, responded with the appropriate standard operating procedure, and activated the parking brake to bring the affected L2SG to a stop," said Mindef. This was the first time the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has experienced such a technical fault in its L2SG fleet, added the ministry. "No issues were detected for the affected L2SG before it moved out," Mindef said, adding that all mobile column assets undergo thorough checks before each deployment. Investigations found that an internal component within the transmission, specifically the conduit for the transmission fluid to the service brake, had malfunctioned. The faulty component led to a loss of transmission oil pressure, subsequently resulting in a partial loss in its steering and braking power. "Comprehensive checks performed across the L2SG fleet since the incident have determined that it was an isolated one," Mindef said. According to RENK GmbH - the transmission's original equipment manufacturer - the malfunction observed during the incident was "previously unknown", and that they are working with SAF to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Following additional checks, all transmissions in the L2SG fleet have been deemed to be "in good working order", and will resume their participation in NDP celebrations. "The safety and well-being of the public and our crews remain of paramount importance. Our crews are trained to respond to different situations with established standard operating procedures," Mindef said. [Read Also singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank which hit traffic light had faulty component](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ndp-2025-leopard-tank-which-hit-traffic-light-had-faulty-component "NDP 2025: Leopard tank which hit traffic light had faulty component") [dana.leong@asiaone.com](mailto:dana.leong@asiaone.com) *For more original AsiaOne articles, visit [here](https://www.asiaone.com/source/asiaone).* [Ministry of Defence](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/ministry-defence)[SAF (Singapore Armed Forces)](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/saf-singapore-armed-forces)[national day](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/national-day)[National Day Parade](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/national-day-parade) Share this article READ FULL ARTICLE [singapore](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore) # 'We should not prejudge him': Ex-diplomat Bilahari Kausikan weighs in on Trump's ambassador-nominee to Singapore Dr Anjani Sinha drew sharp criticism during the Senate hearing after he repeatedly struggled to answer questions about Singapore  Dr Anjani Sinha, an orthopaedics and sports medicine surgeon, drew sharp criticism for his performance after he repeatedly struggled to answer questions about Singapore. PHOTO: US Foreign Relations Committee PUBLISHED ON**July 11, 2025 8:05 AM**By[**Ching Shi Jie**](https://www.asiaone.com/byline/ching-shi-jie) Retired diplomat Bilahari Kausikan has voiced his support for the nominee for the US ambassador to Singapore after his tough Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday (July 9). Dr Anjani Sinha, an orthopaedics and sports medicine surgeon, drew sharp criticism after he repeatedly struggled to answer questions about Singapore. At one point, US Senator Tammy Duckworth told him he was "unqualified" for the job and that he should "shape up and do some homework". Amidst the questioning from Singaporeans on Dr Sinha's suitability to the role, Kausikan said in a Facebook post on Thursday (July 10): "We should treat the new ambassador with courtesy and respect and not prejudge him." Kausikan said that if confirmed as ambassador to Singapore, Dr Sinha is "certainly better than the normal" US State Department "types" who are "despised" by Trump's loyal supporters in his "Make America Great Again" movement. "In any case, what's the advantage for us to join the braying anti-Trump pack?" he added. Kausikan, former chairman of the Middle East Institute in the National University of Singapore, cited Richard Kniep, a former US envoy to Singapore, who served from 1978 to 1980 underformer US President Jimmy Carter. He said that Kniep was "viciously humiliated" during his confirmation hearing but delivered for Singapore when it counted. Kniep helped to get Singapore an exemption from Carter's policy of not introducing new weapons systems into regions where they did not already exist and enabled Singapore to upgrade its air defences. Like Kniep, who had close political ties to Carter, Kausikan suggested that Dr Sinha's personal relationship with Trump could serve Singapore's interest. While not much is known about Dr Sinha, Bloomberg reported in 2016 that he is a well known around Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, where the president plays when he is staying at nearby Mar-a-Lago Resort. In a post on Truth Social in April, Trump said: "Anji is a highly respected entrepreneur, with an incredible family. "The United States' relationship with Singapore is vital, and I have no doubt that Anji will strongly represent our nation's interests and put America first." In his introduction, Dr Sinha described himself as a "lifelong bridge builder". He added: "If confirmed, my duty will be to advance and implement the policies of the US, and to promote US interest in Singapore. "I look to expand and deepen our defence and security co-operation; economic and trade relationship (as well as) people-to-people ties." [Read Also singapore 'You need to do some homework': Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore under fire at Senate hearing](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/you-need-do-some-homework-trumps-ambassador-nominee-singapore-under-fire-senate-hearing "'You need to do some homework': Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore under fire at Senate hearing") [chingshijie@asiaone.com](mailto:chingshijie@asiaone.com) *For more original AsiaOne articles, visit [here](https://www.asiaone.com/source/asiaone).* [DONALD TRUMP](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/donald-trump)[Diplomats](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/diplomats)[United States of America](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/united-states-america) Share this article READ FULL ARTICLE [singapore](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore) # Fulfilling a childhood dream: RSAF pilot enlists after JC, takes part in first NDP This year's NDP celebration will feature a total of 26 aircrafts  This is the first time the 27-year-old RSAF pilot is participating in the NDP celebrations. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Darren Wong PUBLISHED ON**July 10, 2025 4:00 AM**By[**Koh Xing Ying**](https://www.asiaone.com/byline/koh-xing-ying) For many, flying is often associated with holidays or relaxation — but for Rachel Wong, being in the cockpit was the ultimate dream career. Speaking to AsiaOne on July 4 at the National Day Parade (NDP) Air Participation briefing held at Paya Lebar Air Base, the 27-year-old captain recalled how her ambition first took flight. "When I was young, I would always watch the NDP on TV and see the fighter planes soar past. I thought it was really cool and that I'd want to be a part of it one day," said Wong. She added that after completing her studies at Anglo-Chinese Junior College, she enlisted to pursue her dream and has now been with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) for nine years. A passion for flying runs in Wong's family. Her father is a former F-16 pilot, and her mother holds a private pilot's license. This year marks Wong's first time taking to the skies as an F-16 pilot for the National Day Parade celebrations — an experience she described as exciting but with a "different feel". She will be participating in the enhanced salute to the nation as well as the jet formation flypast. For the first time in NDP history, the mobile column showcasing Singapore's military and civil defence assets will be integrated with an aerial flypast comprising 22 aircraft flying in four distinct formations over the Padang. These formations — the Multi-Axis Flypast, Jet Formation Flypast, Helicopter Formation Flypast, and Transport Formation Flypast — will be synchronised with various land vehicle segments during the Defending Our Nation and Our Strength in Action segments of the mobile column. She explained that participating in a larger, coordinated parade sequence brought a new level of intensity and teamwork compared to her previous flights. "It's something different yet exciting. We have many aircrafts and different platforms that are participating this year. Each platform has different requirements so this in itself, is a deconfliction challenge," said Wong, referring to the multiple "It really takes strong teamwork to pull it off and we have to all do our part well in order for it to be successful." Wong also shared that, in preparation for the NDP, she has undergone multiple simulator sessions and flight rehearsals, in addition to three full combined rehearsals to perfect the aerial formations. ## Aerial displays to commemorate SG60 This year's NDP celebration on Aug 9 will feature a total of 26 aircraft from the RSAF. In addition to the iconic state flag flypast and enhanced salute to the nation at the Padang during the National Anthem, there will also be aerial displays to commemorate SG60, while highlighting the capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces. These include special formations and manoeuvres executed byF-15SG and F-16 fighter jets such as a diamond cross turn. Besides the main parade, the RSAF will engage Singaporeans in the heartlands with a special aerial segment from 5.30pm to 6.20pm. A state flag flypast, carried by a Chinook helicopter and escorted by a pair of Apache helicopters, will make its way across various heartland locations. Two state flags will be flown simultaneously along separate routes — the western route will cover areas such as Bukit Batok, Woodlands, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong, and West Coast, while the eastern route will pass through Seletar, Punggol, Sengkang, Pasir Ris, Tampines, Bedok, and Marine Parade. To bring the National Day celebration closer to the people, the RSAF will also conduct an island-wide flypast over five heartland sites on August 10 [as part of the NDP heartland festivities](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ndp-celebrations-headed-heartlands-aug-10-mobile-column-fireworks-and-festivities), which will also feature the mobile column and carnival activities. [Read Alsosingapore SG60 NDP to see largest number of marching contingents at Padang in over 30 years](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/sg60-ndp-2025-see-largest-number-contingents-padang-over-30-years "SG60 NDP to see largest number of marching contingents at Padang in over 30 years") [xingying.koh@asiaone.com](mailto:xingying.koh@asiaone.com) *For more original AsiaOne articles, visit [here](https://www.asiaone.com/source/asiaone).* [SG60](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/sg60)[national day](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/national-day)[Ministry of Defence](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/ministry-defence)[Singapore Air Force](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/singapore-air-force)[National Day Parade](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/national-day-parade) Share this article READ FULL ARTICLE [singapore](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore) # 'I believe there will be more opportunities in the future': Fresh poly graduate who took up contract role on job hunting Education career coaches in higher learning institutes, as well as Workforce Singapore and NTUC are working more closely to support fresh graduates in job searching: Gan Siow Huang  Fresh polytechnic graduate Nur Farisya Binte Fahrurazi faced difficulties in finding a job in her preferred field of marketing. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Danial Zahrin PUBLISHED ON**July 09, 2025 11:00 AM**By[**Lim Kewei**](https://www.asiaone.com/byline/lim-kewei) Having graduated with a diploma this May, Nur Farisya Binte Fahrurazi has applied to about 20 jobs thus far, and heard back from five regarding interview opportunities. Of these, only two companies offered the 20-year-old Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) graduate a job. Farisya, who was in NP's Business Studies course, will start her administrative job as a contract worker at a pharmaceutical firm in July. In an interview on Wednesday (July 9), the fresh graduate said she had applied for the job on the recommendation of her education and career guidance counsellor, whom she had approached for advice as she was feeling "a bit lost". Farisya is currently working an administrative role at NP's Office of Immersion & Careers, also as a contract worker. She had previously completed a six-month credit bearing internship programme there. And while she hopes to work in marketing,most of the job opportunities she had received are admin roles. "I've been searching the job market; a lot of (marketing jobs) require me to have a degree or at least three years' experience, which I currently do not have," she said. Her portfolio — commonly submitted to potential employers — mainly includes her personal projects rather than ones done in a professional capacity. [Read Also singapore 'An opportunity to contribute': Fewer fresh poly graduates land full-time jobs in 2024, but here's how this one did](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/opportunity-contribute-fewer-fresh-poly-graduates-land-full-time-jobs-2024-heres-how-one "'An opportunity to contribute': Fewer fresh poly graduates land full-time jobs in 2024, but here's how this one did") Feeling that finding jobs in marketing was "too hard"**,** Farisya said she is alright to work in administration for now, as she believes the job scope is "still somewhat related" to her studies. "Personally, I would prefer if it was on a permanent basis but because there aren't really many opportunities for me right now, I'm okay with it being a contract basis because I believe there will come more opportunities in the future," she added. "So if there's learning opportunities from this job role, even if it's a contract opportunity, I'm willing." ## 'We encourage fresh graduates to stay optimistic': Gan Siow Huang Speaking to the media after an engagement session with polytechnic students on Wednesday, Minister of State for Trade & Industry Gan Siow Huang said the Government is closely monitoring the employment situation. Gan, who is also Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said this year's fresh graduates are understandably showing more anxiety and concerns compared to previous cohorts, in light of economic uncertainties. She said that education career coaches in higher learning institutes, as well as Workforce Singapore and the National Trades Union Congress, are working more closely to support fresh graduates in job searching.  Minister of State for Trade & Industry Gan Siow Huang said support such as networking opportunities, career coaching, fairs and upskilling courses are available for fresh graduates looking for employment. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Danial Zahrin In addition, the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce is also studying ways to further support students looking for jobs, she noted. "At the moment, the job climate is still rather steady," Gan told the media. "We know that companies are still hiring and jobs are still available, so we encourage our fresh graduates to stay optimistic (and) where possible, broaden their job search. And for those who need, do go to a career coach." Addressing employers, Gan said she hopes they will plan for the longer term and consider hiring fresh graduates "who have good qualifications and skills and are eager to work". "This is actually helpful to companies too, in their leadership renewal as well as development of talent." [Read Alsosingapore Fewer private university grads find full-time jobs in 2024, compared to 2023](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/fewer-private-university-grads-find-full-time-jobs-2024-compared-2023 "Fewer private university grads find full-time jobs in 2024, compared to 2023") [lim.kewei@asiaone.com](mailto:lim.kewei@asiaone.com) *For more original AsiaOne articles, visit [here](https://www.asiaone.com/source/asiaone).* [polytechnics](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/polytechnics)[jobs](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/jobs)[Employment/Unemployment](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/employmentunemployment)[Employers/Employees](https://www.asiaone.com/tags/employersemployees) Share this article READ FULL ARTICLE Subscribe to our newsletter Your daily good stuff - AsiaOne stories delivered straight to your inbox # homepage trending trending Singapore Singapore [See More* *](https://www.asiaone.com/singapore) Entertainment Entertainment [See More* *](https://www.asiaone.com/showbiz) Lifestyle Lifestyle [See More* *](https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle) Digicult Digicult [See More* *](https://www.asiaone.com/digital) Money Money [See More* *](https://www.asiaone.com/money) Latest Latest [See More* *](https://www.asiaone.com/latest) In Case You Missed It In Case You Missed It This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.   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