"On the RTS link between JB and Woodlands, he said the project is ready to move into the next phase."
Now it is quite firm that the RTS is on track. Likely the next phase refers to ironing out the custom procedures and specifications of the RTS.
Actually RTS deadline is being delayed by 1 year. They are supposed to announce the option (overhead or underwater) by Nov this yr. Maybe the delay is to bring the RTS in line with Thomson Line opening. Wont be surprised if HSR will only be up and running in 2025, given the increased complexity.