The Straits Times
US fears rapid escalation in Middle East after Houthis attack Riyadh
RIYADH – The United States warned on Sept 19 that hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iranbacked Houthis could “escalate rapidly” after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed. US President Donald Trump...
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Singapore and Canada sign declaration for economic partnership framework
Singapore and Canada aim to establish an Economic Partnership Framework to deepen cooperation in multiple areas and advance practical initiatives in areas of mutual interest, including emerging technologies. Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian...
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Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib allowed to serve rest of jail term at home
KUALA LUMPUR – Jailed former Malaysian premier Najib Razak has been granted conditional permission to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest, a development that could widen the rift between the ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the...
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Lower fees, more places in facilities for people with disabilities
By 2028, families will pay less for disability services, as the Government lowers fees and increases means-tested subsidies. More spaces will also be added to day activity centres and sheltered workshops by 2030. Around 5,000 people with disabilities...
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Firms must plan for workers alongside business transformation: PM Wong
Businesses must plan for their workers at the same time as they transform their operations rather than treat workforce issues as an afterthought for human resources (HR) departments, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Sept 16. Companies should also...
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Organisations take haze-related measures as air quality worsens
Air quality deteriorated over Singapore on Sept 15, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching unhealthy levels in all parts of the country in the early hours of the morning before improving slightly. Previously, bouts of unhealthy haze were...
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PSI hits unhealthy range in most of Singapore
Air quality in Singapore worsened on Sept 14, with the PSI across the island, except for the north, hitting the unhealthy range, following several days in the moderate range. The skyline (pictured) towards Toa Payoh from Moonstone Lane could be seen...
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6.1 million steps for heart health
Samsung Electronics Singapore welcomed more than 610 participants to its first Galaxy Walkathon on Sept 13. Held at The Kallang, the event brought the community together for a morning of active living through the help of technology. Held in support of...
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Saudis shut down oil pipeline after drone attack launched from Iraq
RIYADH – A drone attack launched from Iraqi territory led Saudi Arabia to shut down a critical oil pipeline on Sept 11, heightening fears that widening clashes in the region could further disrupt energy supplies. The global price of oil briefly jumped...
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Iran-backed Houthis reach island at mouth of vital shipping lane
ADEN/DUBAI – Yemen’s Iranaligned Houthis on Sept 10 reached the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, four Yemeni government sources told Reuters, moving to tighten their grip on a vital global shipping route in the widening Middle...
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More P1 places set aside for kids without prior school ties to boost access and social mixing
More Primary 1 places will be reserved for children without prior connections, as part of efforts to widen access to schools and improve social mixing. From the next registration exercise in 2027, 60 spots will be set aside for this group of children...
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Terrorist threat in S’pore remains high, says ISD
A volatile global security environment fuelled by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East is contributing to the high terrorism threat facing Singapore, said the Internal Security Department (ISD). In its annual terrorism report on Sept 10, the ISD...
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Ministerial pay to rise by up to 9% in first adjustment since 2011
Political office-holders will get a one-off pay increase of up to 9 per cent, as the Government accepts the recommendations of a committee convened in December 2025 to review political salaries. This means a minister at entrylevel grade MR4 getting...
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Anak Krakatau ash disrupts 2,300 flights; Jakarta airport stays shut
JAKARTA – Jakarta’s main international airport will remain closed until at least 1am Singapore time on Sept 8 as volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau continues to disrupt air travel, with thousands of flights affected since Sept 5. The closure of...
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Hundreds of flights hit by Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption
JAKARTA – Eight airports in western Indonesia, including Jakarta’s main international gateway, will remain closed until Sept 7 as shifting winds spread volcanic ash from the continuing eruption of Anak Krakatau. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi...
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Police looking into ‘shameful’ racist comments targeting Indians: Shanmugam
The police are looking into racist and xenophobic comments relating to the Nepal floods and Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, Senior Minister K. Shanmugam said on Sept 5. Speaking to the media at Social Space @ Chong Pang, Shanmugam noted...
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CCs, some RCs to open air-con rooms to public if PSI exceeds 200
Air-conditioned rooms in all community centres and selected residents’ committee centres will be on standby for people to seek respite from the haze should air quality here breach “very unhealthy” levels when the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) exceeds...
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Green jet fuel levy: Deferred for cargo, starts Jan 1 for passengers
A green jet fuel levy for air cargo will be deferred for a year and start from Oct 1, 2027, for flights leaving Singapore from Jan 1, 2028. In a statement on Sept 3, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said the air cargo levy is being...
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Singapore-Thailand ties in excellent shape, says PM Wong
BANGKOK – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has described Singapore and Thailand relations to be in excellent shape and said both sides will develop a multi-year agenda for ASEAN, with Singapore set to chair the regional group in 2027, followed by Thailand...
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S’pore’s economic links with Central Asia could grow over next decade: SM Lee
TASHKENT – A free trade agreement (FTA) between Singapore and Uzbekistan could help reduce uncertainty in an unfamiliar market for local companies, while opening up opportunities in services, investment and selected goods, Senior Minister Lee Hsien...
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Lost in Little India MRT station? Ask Olly for help
Commuters were thrilled to get a bit of help from the newest member of the Little India MRT station crew – Olly the humanoid robot. The robot even found a new fan in Zach Chuah, five, who circled the droid a few times for a closer look while it helped...
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New private not-for-profit hospital in east due to high occupancy rates there: MOH
Consistently high hospital occupancy rates in the eastern and central regions are one reason the new private not-for-profit hospital in the works will be built in the east, said the Ministry of Health (MOH). This is despite the majority of public and...
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Flats with shorter waiting times being built in Sin Ming, Toa Payoh
Hundreds of Built-To-Order flats with shorter waiting times will be launched in Sin Ming and Toa Payoh, with construction of the new homes underway and slated for completion by mid-2030. In Sin Ming Street, which is part of Bishan town, a 1,076-unit...
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Singapore to recruit 1,800 more infant care educators
By 2030, Singapore will hire 1,800 more infant care educators to meet the expected rising demand for infant care as services become more affordable for families. A hiring grant for pre-school operators will also be expanded to help them recruit more...
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Death toll rises, rescuers search for 1,400 missing after Nepal-Tibet floods
BIDUR , Nepal – Rescue teams waded through mud on Aug 27 searching for more than 1,400 people missing after flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-Tibet border, as the death toll rose to at least 362, with villages swept away. Experts warned of...
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Losses from scams dip to $410.6m in first half of 2026
The scam situation in Singapore has continued to improve since 2025, with losses dropping to $410.6 million in the first six months of 2026. Victims lost $500.2 million during the same period in 2025, with $913.1 million lost that year. In releasing...
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S’pore, Vietnam to deepen leadership exchanges, expand tech cooperation
Singapore and Vietnam will deepen exchanges and training between their government officials, and also expand technology cooperation. This was formalised on the sidelines of the first Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue on Aug 25, when the two...
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NDR measures give parents more money and time; mindset shift next
The new support measures address the practical demands of having a family and recognise the need for more time with older children, said parents. They added that these initiatives, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the National Day Rally,...
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PM Wong announces major reset in family support
Parents will get more childcare leave, greater financial support and pay lower preschool fees, as the country makes a fundamental shift in how it supports families. The Government wants to support parents more consistently throughout the journey of...
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LTA proposes tighter rules for deregistered cars amid rise in illegal use on roads
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is considering a new scheme that would shift responsibility for deregistered vehicles from their owners to authorised exporters amid a rise in cases of such vehicles being driven illegally on roads. Under the...
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China, Indonesia reaffirm economic commitment on Wang Yi’s Jakarta visit
JAKARTA – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry in Jakarta on Aug 21, Both ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening already substantial business and...
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S’pore, India agree to boost ties in telecoms, food safety
Singapore and India have agreed to cooperate more closely in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, and to exchange best practices relating to food safety. These were part of two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and a letter of intent...
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New foreign work pass track, tax perks to strengthen asset management in Singapore
Singapore is seeking to strengthen its position as a leading asset management hub with three new measures that would make the industry more attractive to fund managers and encourage them to anchor their business activities, capital allocation and...
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Philippines school shooting: ‘I thought it was just another drill’
MANILA – Students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School in the southern Philippines thought the first gunshot they heard on the morning of Aug 18 was part of another drill. The school had undergone one only a month ago, after a shooting...
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Drones used for first time to fight ship fire in Pasir Panjang terminal
Drones were used for the first time in fighting a blaze on a ship, when a container vessel in Pasir Panjang Terminal caught fire in April. The drones were used to help emergency workers locate hot spots on the London-registered vessel, said Maritime...
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More help at home for patients in Jurong with organ failure
Patients in the Jurong area with advanced organ failure, including chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis and heart failure, will now get more support at home after their hospital discharge. Under a new scheme rolled out on Aug 16, retired nurses and...
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Workgroup finds consensus on challenges of starting a family: Indranee
A new inter-agency workgroup has identified clear areas of consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges of starting and raising a family, where action can be taken sooner. Ahead of its full report in early 2027, it has come up with a set of interim...
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White House flags 40 economies, including Singapore, in China’s ‘shadow transshipment network’
Singapore and dozens of other economies are at risk of being used by Chinese exporters to avoid US tariffs, President Donald Trump’s administration said on Aug 13. A report issued by the White House, titled “The Great Transshipment Scam”, frames the...
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S’pore adopts a ‘just in case’ approach to strategic vulnerabilities: Minister
Adopting a “just in case” instead of “just in time” approach to deal with potential crises is what Singapore requires, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said. The essence of the “just in case” approach is investing ahead of time in capabilities that...
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Istana Park, Dhoby Ghaut Green, Penang Rd areas to form new park
The Penang Road open space at the intersection of Orchard and Oxley roads is set to be turned into an Orchid Park, as part of plans to give the Dhoby Ghaut area a facelift. The Orchid Park will be part of a new park that incorporates the existing open...
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S’pore raises 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.5%-5.5% on AI boom
Singapore has sharply raised its economic growth forecast for 2026 to 4.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent, up from an earlier 2 per cent to 4 per cent range, on the back of a strongerthan-expected first-half performance and a surge in global AI-related...
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More young people behind terror threats with radicalisation taking just weeks: Experts
The rapid pace of youth radicalisation is driven by the internet, social media algorithms and gaming environments, with extremist networks exploiting the vulnerabilities of impressionable youth, experts said. In a report in March, the...
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KALLANG ROARS
As the Kallang Wave rippled across the National Stadium, some 42,000 people buzzed with excitement as they waited for Singapore’s 61st birthday celebrations to begin. It was the first time in a decade that the National Day Parade was held at the...
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PM to give details on support for families, costs of raising kids at NDR
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will soon provide more details on plans to help parents with the costs of raising children and to lighten the load on families. He will share more about the Government’s plans on Aug 23 at the National Day Rally (NDR) –...
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Thailand’s authorities to look into security in schools after mass shooting
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Education Ministry will look into safety measures in schools after a mass shooting on Aug 7 left eight people, including the gunman, dead and 23 others injured, said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. However, there are no...
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Clinics within 2km part of enhanced health plans for migrant workers
Migrant workers will have clinics closer to where they live as part of plans to help them strengthen their health and well-being. Instead of travelling up to 3km to reach a doctor, they will soon have a clinic within 2km when the Ministry of Manpower...
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Parliament affirms amended WP motion on future of the economy
Singapore’s economic strategy has never been about growth for its own sake, but for it to percolate through the broad economy to improve people’s lives, said Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Tan See Leng. Responding to a WP motion...
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En bloc consent thresholds set to be lowered for ageing properties
Ageing developments could get a better shot at taking collective sales across the finish line under proposed changes to lower the en bloc consent threshold from the current 80 per cent. Projects between 40 years and 59 years old could have this...
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Woodlands Hospice opens to serve palliative care needs in the north
Woodlands Hospice, which opened its doors on July 1, is bringing endof-life specialist care to those in the north. While the hospice currently has 16 beds in one ward within Woodlands Hospital (WH), there are plans to increase the capacity to 70 beds,...
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Trump says US, Israel to hold off on fresh Iran strikes
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said on Aug 1 that the United States and Israel had agreed to hold off on any new strikes on Iran – provided a deal to end the months-long conflict was reached quickly. Fears had mounted that the fighting could...
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MOE expands mother tongue elective programmes in secondary schools, JCs
More students can deepen their study of mother tongue languages from 2027 as the Ministry of Education (MOE) expands the Language Elective Programme (LEP) at both the secondary and junior college levels. The Chinese Language Elective Programme (CLEP)...
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4 new MRT stations for Cross Island Line, for faster travel to the west
The third and final phase of the Cross Island Line (CRL) will have four underground stations and help get commuters to the western region faster after it is completed in the late 2030s. The latest stretch – about 10km when fully completed – will...
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Public invited to give feedback on Spore’s inaugural climate adaptation plan
From July 30, residents can share their ideas and feedback on Singapore’s inaugural climate adaptation plan, helping the Government to develop a long-term strategy to shield the nation against climate change. This call to action was announced at the...
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$300 more in CDC vouchers, support for businesses in additional $900m package
Households and businesses will get another $900 million in government support to cushion the continued impact of high energy prices caused by uncertainty in the Middle East. This includes $300 more in CDC vouchers for every household, as well as...
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Wait-out period for private home owners to buy resale flats removed
The 15-month wait-out period for private property downgraders looking to buy a resale flat has been lifted with immediate effect, said National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat. Announcing this on July 28, Chee said market conditions have improved...
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S’pore and Australia commit to unrestricted flow of essential goods, defence supplies
Singapore and Australia signed two pacts on July 27 to ensure unrestricted flow of essential goods and defence supplies between the two countries. This includes a legally binding addition to Singapore and Australia’s free trade agreement for both...
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IMH nurses trained to defuse tense situations before they escalate
Something as simple as a different turn of phrase has the power to prevent a tense situation from turning violent. By specially training nurses in techniques ranging from de-escalation to negotiation to deal with incidents before they get out of hand,...
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Five-year plan to help youth with careers, personal development
Young Singaporeans will have more opportunities to explore different careers and industries under a new five-year national plan aimed at helping them navigate their careers, friendships and personal development. Up to 30,000 job tasting stints,...
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Trump hits S’pore with 12.5% tariff, affecting one-third of exports to US
About a third of Singapore’s domestic exports to the US are now subject to a new 12.5 per cent levy aimed at rebuilding US President Donald Trump’s tariff regime after it was undermined by a court decision earlier in 2026. The Republic’s Ministry of...
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Singapore seeks to avoid becoming collateral damage from US tariffs: Vivian
MANILA – Singapore is trying to make the point to the United States that it is “not a target” of Washington’s tariff policy, and to avoid becoming collateral damage as the Trump administration raises tariffs on trading partners around the world,...
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First-term, younger MPs get larger roles as PM Wong unveils new Cabinet
Newer and younger political office-holders will take on more responsibilities while continuing to work with experienced hands, in a Cabinet reshuffle announced on the back of recent political resignations. In unveiling the latest line-up, Prime...
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SAF explores quantum computing for mission, logistics planning
The military is assessing if quantum computers can be used to optimise mission planning, possibly involving unmanned drones to identify hostile forces. On July 21, tech giant IBM, the Singapore Armed Forces’ Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), and...
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Faishal resigns over online messages with female member of the public
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim has resigned from political office over a “lapse of judgment” in handling his interactions with a woman, who is a member of the public. Zaqy Mohamad, who is Senior Minister of State for...
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More annual leave from 2029 for lower-wage outsourced workers
Lower-wage outsourced workers such as cleaners, security officers and landscape maintenance workers will enjoy more annual leave from 2029, when the minimum leave entitlement will be increased from seven to 10 days. The increase in baseline annual...
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Trump blames Canada for wildfire smoke, says he will add cost to tariffs
OTTAWA – US President Donald Trump on July 17 blamed Canada for wildfire smoke spreading across the United States, and said he would add the “incalculable cost” of dealing with the pollution to existing tariffs on Canadian goods. Heavy smoke from...
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Under-18s may be blocked from social media sites that don’t meet safeguards
While blocking social media access for those aged under 18 is not an ideal outcome for Singapore, the Government is prepared to do so if platforms fail to have the necessary safeguards. Blocking will apply to platforms that are not child-safe, while...
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RTS Link could spur S’poreans to spend $1 billion more in JB a year
When the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link begins passenger service in January 2027, Singaporeans are projected to spend $1.05 billion more that year across the Causeway – nearly 40 per cent higher than the $756 million expected increase in spending by JB...
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GovTech lays off 93 staff as part of restructuring
The Government Technology Agency has retrenched 93 staff and expects a total of 7 per cent to 9 per cent of roles in its workforce to be affected by restructuring over the next two years. The restructuring is meant to take GovTech from managing...
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S’pore’s Q2 growth eases to 5.7% as Iran war tempers AI manufacturing boom
Singapore’s economy continued to benefit from the artificial intelligence boom, but grew at a slower pace in the second quarter of 2026 as expansion in construction and wholesale trade eased. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said the economy...
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New 5-year study to find out how growing up in S’pore shapes youth
A new $150 million national research programme will track 5,000 young people in Singapore over the next five years to better understand how factors such as digital media use and urban spaces shape adolescence. Led by the A*STAR Institute for Human...
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Woodlands Gateway to feature major mixed-use transport hub
The centrepiece of the upcoming Woodlands Gateway project will be a major mixed-use transport hub, bedecked with acres of shopping and office spaces, and green areas for leisure, with direct links to rail lines. Underground, there are plans to build a...
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US seeks Iranian pledge to free up Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON/CAIRO – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman on July 11 to discuss arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said, with Washington seeking a public pledge of free, secure...
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Marriages in S’pore fall further in 2025; most married couples say they are happy
Fewer couples tied the knot in 2025, with Singapore recording its lowest number of marriages in nearly a decade, excluding the pandemic-hit year of 2020. A total of 24,688 marriages were registered in 2025, a 6.2 per cent drop from 2024. This marks...
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Iran hits US targets in Gulf as it buries slain leader Khamenei
DUBAI – The Iranian armed forces launched attacks on US military infrastructure in neighbouring Gulf states on July 9 following US strikes on Iran’s southern coastal and eastern provinces, putting further strain on a three-week-old ceasefire...
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Temasek portfolio value grows $49b to record $518b
Temasek’s net portfolio value hit a new high of $518 billion in the financial year ended March 31, it reported on July 8. Singapore’s investment company said it continues to deliver resilient long-term returns, with a 20-year total shareholder return...
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