Photo by Anna Smirnova
Converting waste paper into battery parts for smartphones and electric vehicles
Scientists from NTU Singapore have developed a technique to convert waste paper, from single-use packaging and bags, and cardboard boxes, into a crucial component of lithium-ion batteries.
Through a process called carbonisation which converts paper into pure carbon, the NTU researchers turned the paper’s fibres into electrodes, which can be made into rechargeable batteries that power mobile phones, medical equipment, and electric vehicles.
To carbonise the paper, the team exposed the paper to high temperatures, which reduces it to pure carbon, water vapour and oils that can be used for biofuel. As carbonisation takes place in the absence of oxygen, this emits negligible amounts of carbon dioxide, and the process is a greener alternative to disposing of kraft paper through incineration, producing large amounts of greenhouse gasses.
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Singapore and Bangladesh sign memorandum of cooperation on trade and investment
Singapore and Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of cooperation on trade and investment (MCTI), Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry said.
The signing took place during Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran's trip to Bangladesh. During his trip, Mr Iswaran called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Ms Sheikh Hasina. They reaffirmed the close ties between Singapore and Bangladesh and discussed how to deepen bilateral economic ties.
The MCTI - signed with Bangladesh Minister of Commerce Mr Tipu Munshi - sets out the scope for the deepening of economic relations between the countries, said MTI.
"Under the MCTI, a senior officials bilateral working group will be established to identify initiatives in areas such as renewable energy, logistics, trade facilitation and standards, to increase trade and investment flows."
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Singapore's Q3 GDP growth revised up to 4.1% from 4.4%
Singapore's economy grew by 4.1% in the third quarter compared to the same period a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected a revision to 4.3%.
The industrial sector rebounded 0.8% in July-September, a significant slowdown from 5.6% in the previous three months amid declines in electronics, chemicals and biochemicals. Meanwhile, the construction sector accelerated to 7.8%, up from 4.8% in the second quarter, and the services sector accelerated to 5.8% from 5%, thanks to an improvement in the wholesale trade.
Singapore's GDP rose 1.1% in the third quarter in comparison to the previous three months. The figure was down 0.1% in April-June. The government forecasts the economy to expand by around 3.5% in 2022. Next year, GDP growth is expected to slow down to 0.5-2.3%.
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TVS Motor Expands Its Global Footprint, Launches First Showroom In Singapore
Expanding its global footprint, TVS Motor Company, one of India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer, has inaugurated its first state-of-the-art TVS Experience Centre in Singapore.
The state-of-the-art showroom in UBI Industrial estate, Singapore will offer select models from TVS Motor's premium motorcycle portfolio including Apache RR310 and Apache RTR range. The company has partnered with ‘Motorsport Private Limited (part of the Chong Aik Group)’ who will be the distributors for Singapore market.
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Singapore among 4 countries to nominate the kebaya for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
Singapore, together with Brunei, Malaysia and Thailand, will nominate the kebaya for inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, said the National Heritage Board (NHB) in a media release on Wednesday (Nov 23).
The multinational nomination of the traditional women's dress, which represents a significant part of Singapore’s Malay and port city heritage, and also reflects the unique blend of cultures in Southeast Asia, was first proposed and coordinated by Malaysia.
"Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand agreed to work together on this multinational nomination as kebaya represents and celebrates the region’s rich shared history, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and continues to be present and actively produced and worn by many communities across Southeast Asia," said NHB, adding that other countries are also welcome to join the nomination.
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