Why AI's funding is under scrutiny in Singapore
Singapore's government is investigating online racist abuse following Air India's request for a $1.5 billion funding deal. Opposition lawmaker Kenneth Tiong criticized Temasek, the state investor involved in the transaction, arguing that Temasek's funds should not be used to support the troubled airline. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake in Air India, defended itself stating that investment decisions rest with the company's board and that Singaporeans are not directly funding the investment.
Temasek and Singapore Airlines have not publicly commented on the controversy. Senior Minister K. Shanmugam confirmed that the debate sparked racist comments online, including accusations that Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara favored the Indian airline due to his ethnicity. Shanmugam condemned the remarks as libellous and requested police investigate the hateful messages.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also condemned the abuse, emphasizing that legitimate arguments should not be used to demonize any community or harbor hostility towards foreigners.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
