First American pope elected | More S’pore polytechnic graduates heading to top overseas universities

Plus: Four S'pore-based tour bus firms barred from operating in Malaysia | If this e-mail is not displayed properly, click here. FRIDAY, MAY 09 2025 Jonathan Wong Assistant Newsletter Editor Good morning, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. More details in this report. In other news, there is a growing number of polytechnic students in Singapore seeking overseas university experiences, mainly in Britain and Europe, driven by greater access to information and a desire for broader exposure. For the latest news, download the ST app on your iOS or Android devices. World Cardinal Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff "Peace be with you all," the new pontiff said, in his first public words. World Election of new Pope: Not China's top choice, but it pleases Trump Given his experience, Pope Leo XIV will maintain his interest in both North and Latin America, writes Jonathan Eyal. Singapore From poly to Cambridge: More S'pore diploma graduates head to top overseas universities This comes as more students are choosing the polytechnic route despite qualifying for junior college. Singapore Four S'pore-based tour bus operators barred from providing coach services in Malaysia They were found to have breached rules by offering express bus services and selling tickets online. World Trump, Starmer hail 'breakthrough' deal on trade This is the first deal of its kind since the US leader triggered a global trade war with his tariffs. Asia Nervous calm as Pakistan fears war over Kashmir conflict Experts insist the situation remains dire, though life in much of the country seems to go on as usual. Business Shopee parent Sea opens new financial services HQ in S'pore Monee is leasing 10 floors, spanning over 200,000 sq ft, at Rochester Commons. Singapore Property buyer loses $590k suit against real estate agent, ERA in rare case of size disparity The lot area of the unit with upward-sloping walls was based on the ceiling area. Singapore Company fined after failing to compensate employee for permanent incapacity within 21 days Mr Abdul Halim Mokhtar was injured after the handle of an exercise machine hit his forehead in January 2022. Opinion This young generation has seen too many crises. Time to raise its hopes They have come of age amid a pandemic, climate change and geopolitical chaos, writes Mubin Saadat. MOST POPULAR 1. Man at dinner with Fujian gang member Su Haijin wrongly identified as Wilmar chairman 2. US dollar exodus to unleash $3.2 trillion 'avalanche' of selling, currency analyst says 3. Four Singapore-based tour bus operators barred from providing coach services in Malaysia If you received this newsletter from someone, sign up here to get daily updates right in your inbox! If you have any feedback, please drop us an e-mail at st-newsletters@sph.com.sg Sign up for more free newsletters from The Straits Times here. Manage subscription here.