What happened to Royal Sporting House and World Of Sports? A look at Singapore’s disappearing sports retailers

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

In Singapore, Royal Sporting House opened 28 shops in 2017 and was working on an image overhaul to appeal to younger people. &nbsp,

Only six outlets are still operational now, according to data released by the neighborhood sports retailer website. At least two businesses have shut down in Causeway Point and Northpoint City this year alone.

In 1977, Royal Sporting House opened its first location in Happy Plaza, and it has since become one of Singapore’s most recognizable, preferred shopping sites for generations of people looking to purchase sports equipment.

Maximilian Sin, an avid runner and sprinter, who was visiting the stores on a regular basis to look for lucrative revenue, was one of these customers about ten years ago. &nbsp,

The 28-year-old marketer said,” The selling seemed more repeated at Royal Sporting House, the atmosphere felt less threatening, more mass-market, and more “heartland.”

” I guess you didn’t quite know when great sales were happening, and you didn’t quite know when digital marketing and online (e-commerce ) apps weren’t quite as rampant yet.

Consumers CNA spoke with said the late 2010s may be to blame for the reduction in Royal Sporting House’s appeal. &nbsp,

For Mr. Sin, this was when he began to look for reliable running supplies that Royal Sporting House may hardly offer. Instead, he turned to more specialized local stores like Running Lab and lineup retailers like Nike and New Balance. &nbsp,

Different customers argued that Royal Sporting House lacked the ability to compete with lower-priced competitors. &nbsp,

Mr. Wyn Kheng, 31, pointed to European company Decathlon, which offers a wider range of products under one roof, at lower prices.

When trying out a new sport, he said,” People don’t really worry about companies.” It would be a legitimate company and cost a lot if I visited ( a local dealer ).

CNA emailed Royal Sporting House several times, which was acquired by Gulf Marketing Group in the UAE in 2020, but it never responded. &nbsp,

Not the only native sporting store that has seen a major store closure in recent years. &nbsp,

World Of Sports, which had more than 20 sources before, appears to have quietly left the financial industry. Its past social media post was made in September 2022, and its site is no longer active. &nbsp,

On their website sites, businesses like Plaza Singapura, VeloCity in Novena, and Jurong Point have listed their locations as entirely closed. On Google Maps, there is no information available for an available and running business.

World of Sports was previously reported to be owned by VGO Corp, a locally owned, listed business founded by George Goh. CNA reached up to VGO, but she also received no response. &nbsp,

After accumulating debt with numerous creditors, Sportslink liquidated in July 2020. The neighborhood business had 35 sources by 2015 from a second store at Queensway Shopping Centre in the 1980s. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

China Power: Peacemaker or troublemaker? Views in Southeast Asia vary over Beijing’s efforts in global conflicts

By:
On:
In: Asia

Myanmar’s independence is also affected by China’s mediation, according to Yun. She noted that this is” no unprovoked,” as the conflict’s effects have been felt close to their land borders.

She noted that “you have often heard the Chinese say that we don’t want to be involved in Burmese national independence or internal matters.”

” But your internal affairs become my domestic affairs when your inner affairs cause the bombing of Chinese place or the arrival of 30, 000 refugees into China.” And that, regrettably, provides China with a valid explanation for playing a controlling role.

For local reservations may have a negative impact on Southeast Asia’s perception of China as its ongoing international mediation effort progresses, something Beijing is probably aware of.

According to analysts, South Asian countries acknowledge China as a significant economic companion while also upholding a recorded approach to its wider local engagement, including its role in promoting stability.

They add that some countries might find themselves in a difficult location as a result.

Malaysia was cited as an example by Abdul Rahman of the Lowy Institute. Malaysia has carefully balance the economic benefits with its security concerns, he said, as China has been its largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

According to Abdul Rahman,” China is seen as a potential financial mate.”

” Nevertheless, top Malaysian government officials believe that Western powers are essential for controlling against China.”

According to what I’ve said to various Indonesian officers,” I think it might be harder for the Malaysians to get a harder line if China asserts itself on the ground against Malaysia in the waters off Sabah and Sarawak.”

In any case, researchers predict that Southeast Asian nations will function as best they may with Beijing and Washington, especially with a rising China here to stay and vying with the US for influence in the region.

For instance, Dorsey from RSIS noted how Malaysia and Indonesia are less reliant on the US for security issues.

They still want the US to keep a reputation, though. They don’t need Washington to completely withdraw, he said, though they may prefer it to be abroad.

” I’m saying that the majority of countries, including those in Southeast Asia, will make this a linear selection,” I’m saying.

According to the State of Southeast Asia 2025 report, the US chose China to win over the region’s interests ( 52.3 % ) if they were forced to support them.

China’s share of the market dropped to 47.7 % from the previous year’s top of 50.5 percent, which was its primary top choice.

A majority of ASEAN respondents ( 53.2 % ) agree that the regional bloc should increase its resilience and cohesion to fend off pressure from the two world powers.

Nearly 30 % of respondents were concerned that ASEAN may turn into a center for regional power negotiations, with its member states potential main strength proxies.

China’s popularity will depend in part on its ability to address local concerns and develop real partnerships, according to Ping from Bond University.

If China doesn’t correlate its actions with local expectations, there may be more backlash.

Continue Reading

GE2025: Red Dot United exits opposition alliance over concerns about potential three-cornered fights

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Red Dot United, an opposition party, has withdrawn from The Coalition due to concerns about the group’s devotion to avoiding three-cornered electoral events, CNA has learned.

RDU chairman Dr. David Foo stated in a message seen by CNA on Saturday ( 12 April ) that the party had taken the decision” after careful consideration.”

The Coalition, which was established in October 2023, is a form of an informal alliance made up of the Singapore People’s Party ( SUP), National Solidarity Party ( NSP), Red Dot United ( RDU), and Singapore People’s Party ( SPP ).

Dr. Foo stated in his text that” this was not an easy determination.”

One of the “key conceptions” when RDU signed the memorandum of understanding was a shared responsibility to reduce multi-cornered battles, the party argued, which is essential for opposition unity and political quality.

We joined you all in this informal relationship because of the spirit of giving citizens a decision without diluting the opposition’s, said Dr. Foo. &nbsp,

However, recent developments have prompted us to question whether all parties still adhere to the same corporate principle, which was the inspiration for this partnership, to prevent three-cornered contests.

Dr. Foo emphasized that the choice was finally made in RDU’s best interests.

As a young group, we had been insightful and intuitive about how voters might relate to multi-cornered events and how these developments might affect our candidates and the constituencies we hope to represent.

RDU “remains committed to criticism unity,” Dr. Foo said despite withdrawing from The Coalition.

RDU announced its plans to challenge six districts following the release of the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee’s document in March: Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, Jurong Central SMC, Nee Quickly GRC, Jalan Kayu SMC, Tanjong Pagar GRC, and Radin Mas SMC.

But, party leader Ravi Philemon recently stated that if RDU decides to field a group in Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, it won’t compete in Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC.

The various three factions in The Coalition have been contacted by CNA for comment.

Continue Reading

GE2025: People’s Alliance for Reform to contest in Yio Chu Kang SMC

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

The People’s Alliance for Reform ( PAR ) made the official announcement on Saturday ( Apr 12 ) that it would challenge Dr. Michael Fang to run for president in the upcoming General Election.

Dr. Fang told CNA that his main problems were rising wages and the cost of living, adding that” we see the persons suffering around us” and that life had become “more hard” after he later distributed food to people there.

” Basically, the residents here are mixed of the elderly folk and a small percentage of the younger generation, i .e., 30s to 40s, and we have been listening to their concerns because the cost of living has been very high,” he said.

We hear about their worries about living expenses, job loss, and how their retirement savings may grow. We just want to do our part for the individuals because it has been having a lot of impact.

While Dr. Fang, who is from the Peoples Voice ( PV), noted what the government has done to reduce rising costs, he claimed this has been “largely advised to be insufficient to help the residents.”

Every Singaporean household will receive S$ 800 ( US$ 600 ) in Community Development Council ( CDC ) vouchers, according to Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong’s speech in February during his national budget speech.

One of the three events in the Line is PV, the Reform Party and the Democratic Progressive Party, the other two are the other two. &nbsp,

In the future vote, Yio Chu Kang SMC&nbsp may include 25, 368 citizens. &nbsp,

With 60.82 percent of the vote, Mr. Yip Hon Weng of the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) won the 2020 election over Kayla Low of Progress Singapore Party.

” Barometer for change”

Dr. Fang responded by stating that he is a “barometer for shift” when asked how he felt about his chances against the ruling party. &nbsp,

” They have truly changed,” if I support the PAP MP, which is not difficult. However, the PAP hasn’t really improved if you see me on the other side. he continued. We are attempting to direct them in the right direction.

Dr. Fang stated that if elected, he would support serving residents of the single-seat&nbsp clinic and introduce new legislative changes, calling for “lower GST ( Goods and Services Tax ) for everyone, including companies and as well as the common folk.”

Other parties, including the Progress Singapore Party ( PSP) and the Singapore Democratic Party ( SDP ), have recently called for a rollback of the GST to 7 % in order to lower costs.

Dr. Fang also briefly touched on the PAR’s objections to the Central Provident Fund ( CPF ) scheme’s withdrawal age. &nbsp,

He continued, noting that he had received “very good” and “very responsive” responses from walkabouts. &nbsp,

I hope the electorate votes for us so that we can really start implementing positive changes and ending bad guidelines as well.

In 2020, Dr. Fang and PV founder&nbsp, Lim Tean, Mr. Leong Sze Hian, and Mr. Nor Azlan Sulaiman, along with Dr. Fang, filed for a PV nomination in Jalan Besar GRC. The PAP received 65.36 % of the vote count. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

China Power: How Trump’s tariffs could deepen Beijing’s regional sway, and what might stand in its way

By:
On:
In: Asia

Some spectators, in comparison, see potential for China.

Chris Pereira, the founder and CEO of effect, a connections and business consulting firm, is one of them.

He told CNA,” If the US is going to start imposing tariffs on people, this is a great option for China to visit for free industry with everyone.”

” Even China will continue to support rules-based purchase rather than the United States.”

Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam and Cambodia benefited from the” China Plus One” method, which absorbed redirected manufacturing as businesses diversified away from China during the previous business war.

However, with innovative US regulations intended to close gaps, that benefit is shrinking.

According to EAI’s Li, China may reduce the pressure on both itself and the place by actively reorganizing supply chains rather than just shifting exports. &nbsp,

It is more likely to win the support of ASEAN elites and policymakers if China rather takes the lead and encourages a more diverse and healthy global market.

This may encourage the development of emerging markets by allowing them to occupy a larger share of the market.

As these markets expand, Li predicted that there will also be more demand for Chinese goods, creating a “virtuous pattern of common benefit.”

Interestingly, this approach is less likely to have a direct effect on the US market, making it a more strategic and long-term course of action.

Pereira, the effects leader, agreed with a disclaimer.

He remarked that China should be very cautious about shifting developing capabilities and capacities to other nations. &nbsp,

Often, it might elicit a sense of injustice in different areas, including Southeast Asia.

According to the ISEAS record, distrust in six of the ten ASEAN countries outweighs trust in China. &nbsp,

47.6 % of those who dislike China worry that its military and economic dominance had threaten their nations ‘ interests and independence. &nbsp,

As tensions continue to rage in the South China Sea as many countries ‘ regional and maritime disputes resurface. &nbsp,

Despite overlapping states by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, China claims about the whole South China Sea.

These conflict centers on corporate waters rich in both important natural resources and important trade routes, which have been the subject of current maneuvers that have increased the conflict further.

Continue Reading

ASEAN’s ‘hybrid approach’ most realistic response to face Trump tariffs, say experts

By:
On:
In: Asia

However, Lin claimed that ASEAN nations would need to expand their export markets if negotiations with the US don’t lead to meaningful price reductions. &nbsp,

She noted that many are already doing this, with China still serving as a crucial companion, particularly for nations like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, which have a limited US business exposure. &nbsp,

But, whether these nations ‘ imports are in line with Chinese need depends on their ability to become more economically aligned with China. &nbsp,

The EU, India, the Gulf States, and deeper intra-ASEAN industry, in Lin’s opinion, are essential choices. &nbsp,

She said that it will be crucial to improve the regional comprehensive economic partnership’s (RCEP ) implementation and exploring new free trade agreements to reduce risk of unilateral protectionist actions. &nbsp,

China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand are all parties to the RCEP, which is a free trade agreement. &nbsp,

But, political expert Oh Ei Sun claimed that ASEAN will have to look for different markets to deal with because the US will continue to be one of the biggest exporters of East Asian products, including semiconductors and solar products.

” ASEAN is currently conducting business with numerous different nations. These nations just doesn’t fit the high level of American consumption, Oh said. &nbsp,

Lin argued that ASEAN may continue to invest in regional economic integration, strengthening domestic supply chains, harmonising regulations, and enhancing its desirability as a diverse and resilient manufacturing base in order to lessen the impact of US tariffs. &nbsp,

She claimed that while a WTO issue is theoretically possible, it is also less useful in the long run due to the length of the WTO’s dispute resolution process. &nbsp,

Specific member states have the right to complain about other members, but ASEAN as an organization does not have the legal position to do so. &nbsp,

Lin argued that ASEAN should instead concentrate on developing strategic partnerships, improving business facilitation, and using tools like the Washington, DC, ASEAN Committee to communicate to US policymakers in a planned manner.

The key would of course be to maintain coherence, agility, and forward-thinking in such a tumultuous business culture, she said. &nbsp,

Ferlito claimed that the most advantageous course of action right now is to actively pursue true free trade agreements with all interested parties. He explained that these contracts enable tariff-free deal between the participating countries.

That is the best course of action if we want to grow, to listen, and to make more growth opportunities, which come from bigger marketplaces, and this comes from free business.

” The earth is integrated, and seeking self-reliance is utopic and not the best course of action. Economic development is achieved by looking outside rather than inside. Therefore, having solid economics means being integrated rather than isolated,” he said. &nbsp,

However, analysts cautioned that if the US and China’s continued price war turns into a full-fledged trade war, it could have significant effects on the ASEAN region.

Because a majority of ASEAN states rely on Chinese industry and Taiwanese money, that is a much more dangerous problem. ASEAN had undoubtedly suffer as collateral damage if the US-China relationships collapse,” Chin predicted. &nbsp,
 

Amir Yusof provided extra monitoring.

Continue Reading

With Trump’s unpredictability, ASEAN’s no-retaliation response to US tariffs is its only ‘realistic’ option

By:
On:
In: Asia

However, Lin claimed that ASEAN nations would need to diversify their export markets if US-US negotiations fail to yield substantial tariff reductions. &nbsp,

She noted that many are already doing this, with China still serving as a crucial companion, particularly for nations like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, which have a limited US business contact. &nbsp,

However, a closer economic partnership with China depends on how well these nations ‘ exports match Chinese need. &nbsp,

The EU, India, the Gulf States, and deeper intra-ASEAN industry, in Lin’s opinion, are essential choices. &nbsp,

She said that it will be crucial to improve the regional comprehensive economic partnership’s (RCEP ) implementation and exploring new free trade agreements to reduce risk of unilateral protectionist actions. &nbsp,

China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand are all parties to the RCEP, which is a free trade agreement. &nbsp,

But, political expert Oh Ei Sun claimed that ASEAN will have to look for different markets to deal with because the US will continue to be one of the biggest exporters of South Asian products, including semiconductors and solar products.

” ASEAN is currently conducting business with a large number of various nations. These nations just didn’t fit the high level of American consumption, Oh said. &nbsp,

Lin argued that ASEAN may continue to invest in regional economic integration, strengthening domestic supply chains, harmonising regulations, and enhancing its desirability as a diverse and resilient manufacturing base in order to lessen the impact of US tariffs. &nbsp,

She claimed that while a WTO issue is theoretically possible, it is not a viable option in the long run due to the current status of the WTO’s dispute resolution process and the drawn-out character of such proceedings. &nbsp,

While ASEAN as an organization does not have the legal authority to lodge a complaint with the WTO, personal member states have the authority to lodge complaints against other users. &nbsp,

Lin argued that ASEAN should rather concentrate on developing strategic alliances, improving business cooperation, and using programs like the ASEAN Committee in Washington DC to communicate organized ideas to US politicians.

In such a tumultuous business atmosphere,” she said, the challenge will be to keep cognizant, lean, and forward-looking.” &nbsp,

Ferlito claimed that working with all interested parties is the most advantageous course of action right then. He argued that these agreements facilitate tariff-free deal between the participating countries.

That is the best course of action if we want to grow, to listen, and to make more growth opportunities, which come from bigger marketplaces, and this comes from free business.

” The universe is integrated, and seeking self-reliance is utopic and not the best course of action. Economic development is achieved by looking outside rather than inwards. Therefore, he said, having solid economics requires being integrated rather than isolated. &nbsp,

However, analysts cautioned that if the US and China’s continued tariff war turns into a full-fledged trade war, serious consequences might result for the ASEAN region.

Because a majority of ASEAN states rely on Chinese industry and Taiwanese money, that is a much more dangerous problem. ASEAN had undoubtedly suffer as credit damage if the US-China relationships collapse,” Chin predicted. &nbsp,
 

Amir Yusof provided more monitoring.

Continue Reading

Trump tariffs: Restaurant in Singapore serving China cuisine removes signs claiming 104% surcharge for Americans

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Following widespread discussion online, a restaurant in Singapore’s Chinatown has removed controversial signs that claim a” 104 % surcharge” applies to American diners.

The two pieces of paper that were pasted on the front entrance of the Chinese restaurant Xie Lao Song started getting attention on social media earlier this month. &nbsp,

According to the article,” Americans will get charged a 104 per cent tax when dining at this restaurant starting on April 9, 2025,” which was written in both&nbsp, English and Chinese.

The track was titled” Xie Lao Song, Singapore” and was signed off. &nbsp,

They appeared on Wednesday ( Apr 9 ) shortly after US President Donald Trump formally announced a 104 % tariff on Chinese goods. &nbsp,

The finds were not more on display when CNA visited Xie Lao Song on Friday, and team members declined to speak on the report.

CNA was also contacted by the restaurant’s landlord, who also declined to comment, in an business above the eatery. &nbsp,

The hotel’s walk had sparked a lot of debate online, with user sgwhatsup posting a TikTok article that showed the notices receiving over 400, 000 landscapes and over 1, 700 comments. &nbsp,

While some users criticized the sign as being discriminatory, others questioned whether Singapore law forbids such behavior.

A blog on the subject has received over 2,800 posts on Reddit, with some customers questioning whether it was a publicity stunt. &nbsp,

Continue Reading

CNA Explains: How can Singapore respond to Trump’s tariffs?

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

Additionally, Prof. Mei cited the CDC certificates as a method of providing immediate assistance. However, he doesn’t believe that Singapore’s fiscal policy needs to be greatly changed at this time.

A “expansionary governmental position” where the state spends more did “minimize the tariff shockwave,” according to Ms. Ling of OCBC.

If con growth dangers become a reality, she suggested that Singapore’s government might take into account an extra Budget package.

What other options does Singapore have?

Under Trump’s command, Asst. Prof. Mei remarked that dealing with the US has become more challenging.

Singapore should be prepared to form a business system without the US, he said, adding that the nation should work with big nations like China and the European Union to advance the WTO framework.

Ms. Ling argued that Singapore may continue to engage in negotiations and dialogue with the US while strengthening economic ties with other countries.

Singapore needs to strengthen its regional ecosystem to be more aggressive in terms of productivity, innovation, research, development, and other areas, she said. Southeast Asian nations need to be more united.

The regional approach must be one that maintains a trade- and market-friendly environment, is open to new opportunities for talent, and adheres to a world or multi-lateral economic framework.

While monetary and fiscal policies can reduce short-term swings, regional cooperation and developing comparative merits would be most crucial and powerful, according to Asst Prof. Ye of NTU.

They “offer more endurance, a more prolonged long-term impact, and more important enhancements in addressing the uncertainties of global trade.”

He added that investing in human capital and improving labor skills will aid in responding and savoring growth prospects in the modern economy.

These benefits make sense for the development of a little, advanced business like Singapore.

Continue Reading