The Straits Times - October 31, 2024
The Straits Times - October 31, 2024
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In this issue
October 31, 2024
Plans for mixed-use complex above Hougang MRT station
New homes also slated to be built in Mount Pleasant, Newton and Lakeside
5 mins
Najib ordered to mount defence in 1MDB corruption case
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's jailed former prime minister Najib Razak will have to mount a defence against charges related to receiving gratifications from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that were deposited into his bank accounts, as well as money laundering charges.
3 mins
Number of S'pore coders growing rapidly
More than 1.3 million in Singapore are coding to solve tech issues and that number is among the fastest growing worldwide, at a rate of 28 per cent in the 12 months to September.
1 min
15 dengue deaths in 2024, up from 6 in whole of 2023
Cases stand at 12,736 so far, compared with last year’s total of 9,949
2 mins
15 dengue deaths in 2024, up from 6 in whole of 2023
Cases stand at 12,736 so far, compared with last year's total of 9,949
2 mins
Indian Americans could get Harris over the line in this tight contest
While she can't take their vote for granted, enthusiasm for her is building to a crescendo
5 mins
Harris warns of dangers of another Trump presidency
He seeks unchecked power, she says in Washington at her biggest rally
4 mins
China says Trump could 'discard' Taiwan if he wins election
BEIJING - China implied on Oct 30 that if US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump won the Nov 5 election, he could \"discard\" Taiwan, saying the US has always pursued an \"America First\" policy.
1 min
Trump, allies link Biden's 'garbage' comment to Clinton's 2016 'deplorables' remark
WASHINGTON - Donald Trump and his allies are trying to recreate a moment that resonated deeply with his supporters in the 2016 campaign: when Mrs. Hillary Clinton referred to Trump supporters as a \"basket of deplorables\".
3 mins
Kyiv should strike N. Korean troops if they fight in Ukraine: Biden
Ukraine should strike North Korean troops if they enter the country to fight alongside Russia, US President Joe Biden said, as officials warned that the soldiers are expected to move closer to the front line over the next few weeks.
1 min
N. Korea troops in Russia broadens conflict, with global ramifications
Their first task may be to evict Ukrainian troops in control of Russia's Kursk region
4 mins
Kyiv announces new mobilisation drive as Moscow advances
Concern grows in Ukraine, the West over N. Korea's military cooperation with Russia
3 mins
Russia expanded use of torture after Ukraine invasion, says UN expert
Russia has expanded its use of torture at home and abroad since invading Ukraine, with the practice notably used to clamp down on dissent during the war, a report by a UN rights expert said on Oct 29.
1 min
Seoul to spend $6.4b to spur city's couples to have kids
They will get help with wedding costs, parental leave and housing subsidies
2 mins
S. Korea marks 2nd anniversary of Itaewon tragedy
President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his condolences as South Korea on Oct 29 marked the second anniversary of the Itaewon crowd crush that claimed 159 lives in October 2022.
1 min
Trump's family, Biden aides among targets in China phone hacking
WASHINGTON - Members of former US president Donald Trump's family, as well as the Biden administration and State Department officials, were among those targeted by the China-linked hackers who were able to break into telecommunications company systems, according to people familiar with the matter.
2 mins
High hopes as Malaysia takes up Asean chair
How PM Anwar handles South China Sea, Myanmar issues will be closely watched
3 mins
UN envoy says she met Myanmar army chief, calls for end to violence
United Nations special envoy Julie Bishop visited Myanmar's capital and met the head of the country's military junta, she told a UN meeting on Oct 29, adding that actors in Myanmar had to move past what she called a \"zero-sum mentality\" towards a resolution of the South-east Asian country's grinding conflict.
1 min
China female spaceflight engineer realises dream
Three Chinese astronauts, including China's only female spaceflight engineer, entered the Tiangong space station on Oct 30 following an early morning launch into orbit.
3 mins
Australia to boost missile capabilities as region enters new 'missile age'
This comes amid significant concerns over China's missile test in the South Pacific
2 mins
Canada alleges Indian minister Amit Shah behind plots to target Sikh separatists
The Canadian government alleged on Oct 29 that Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, a close ally of Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was behind the plots to target Sikh separatists on Canadian soil.
1 min
Climate change driving disease spread, deaths from heat: Report
Climate change poses a growing threat to human health in a variety of record-breaking ways, a major report said on Oct 30, with experts warning that \"wasted time has been paid in lives\".
2 mins
Spain's deadliest floods in decades kill at least 64
At least 64 people have been killed in the deadliest flooding to hit Spain in three decades after torrential rain battered the eastern region of Valencia, leaving roads and towns under water, the local authorities said on Oct 30.
1 min
Israeli army's exhausted reservists 'drowning'
More than a year into the Gaza war, the Israeli army's reservists are exhausted and it is struggling to recruit soldiers just as it opens a new front in Lebanon.
2 mins
Hamas open to any truce plan that includes Israeli withdrawal
It comes as strikes in Gaza kill over 100 people on Oct 29, 30
2 mins
'Now, I'm a star
Makeover by charity and S'pore fashion labels turns migrant workers into models
3 mins
Eligible NSmen, NSFs to receive $200 in LifeSG credits by Nov 30
Some 1.2 million past and present national servicemen will receive $200 in LifeSG credits by November.
1 min
High Court awards $4.75 million to victim of road accident in Malaysia
A Singaporean who lost his mental capacity after a road traffic accident in Malaysia six years ago was awarded $4.75 million by the High Court in June.
3 mins
Interfaith blood donation drive aims to build bonds among the youth
Event draws around 200 donors, mostly young people, amid lively atmosphere
2 mins
Ong Beng Seng allowed to leave Singapore for work, medical treatment
Property tycoon, already on $800,000 bail, must provide additional bail of $800,000
2 mins
Small firm Adi Law in Best 100 list as Rajah & Tann leads again
Being small gives firm advantages over bigger practices, such as being able to act fast, its managing director says
4 mins
Trio of big firms take the lead in ESG law
New field in survey recognizes law firms' work in helping clients with ESG
3 mins
Veteran and young lawyers in various fields honoured
Lawyers on list have highest overall number of recommendations from clients and peers
2 mins
Law firms big and small offer pro bono and charity services
People with dysfunctional circumstances or who cannot afford fees among those helped
3 mins
Over 4 in 10 lawyers accept overwork, stress as part of job: Poll
Some 6 in 10 lawyers say their firms actively ensure good work-life balance for them
2 mins
S'pore stocks end lower despite more buoyant Wall St session
STI slips 0.88%; losers outnumber gainers 344 to 217 | Hongkong Land puts in a strong showing, surging 10.8% | Regional indexes end lower except Nikkei 225, up 1%
1 min
Samsung's $162b wipeout shows cost of failing to maintain AI edge
Just a few months ago, Samsung Electronics looked primed to benefit from the global artificial intelligence boom: profits were surging and its stock was rising towards an all-time high.
3 mins
EU imposes extra tariffs on Chinese EVs, risking backlash
China says it does not accept increased duties and will take steps to protect firms
3 mins
Sritex contests bankruptcy as Prabowo calls for rescue plan
Indonesian textile giant Sri Rejeki Isman is contesting a court decision that declared it bankrupt as the company owner pledges to keep its factory open and see through the revival of the business.
2 mins
Ikea pledges $8.6m to atone for use of forced labour
Ikea pledged on Oct 29 to pay €6 million (S$8.6 million) into a hardship fund for victims of the East German dictatorship after admitting some of its suppliers used political prisoners as forced labourers.
1 min
Alta partners Straits Trading to offer bite-sized luxury real estate
Prospective buyers looking to snag a good class bungalow (GCB) in Singapore should be prepared to fork out at least $20 million, though some of these properties cost significantly more depending on their history, heritage, area and location.
3 mins
Sheng Siong Q3 profit up 12.6% after opening of new outlets
Supermarket chain Sheng Siong posted a 12.6 per cent increase in net profit to $39.1 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, from $34.7 million the year before.
1 min
StanChart plans to return at least $10.6b to investors by 2026
Standard Chartered vowed to return at least US$8 billion (S$10.6 billion) to investors by 2026 as its quarterly profit more than doubled from a year ago despite falling global interest rates.
2 mins
Axe to fall mainly on senior roles in HSBC restructuring
Bank's overhaul aimed at reducing duplicate roles, says group chief executive
2 mins
MAS sets up not-for-profit firm to extend global fintech reach
Firm looking to become a massive hub for providing tech, finance innovation solutions
2 mins
McDonald's sued in proposed class action over E. coli outbreak
McDonald's was sued on Oct 29 by consumers in a proposed class action stemming from the E. coli outbreak linked to onions in the fast-food chain's Quarter Pounders.
1 min
Hedge funds turning to Singapore dollar to make US election bets
The Singapore dollar is emerging as a popular US election trade for currency option investors.
1 min
S'pore has 1.3 million coders, ranks 9th globally for helping AI projects: GitHub
Over 9,700 of them have contributed to solving tech issues on open source platform
3 mins
US election: High economic and financial risks ahead
Campaign promises on taxes and trade, particularly those by Trump, are likely to have a destabilising impact if carried out.
3 mins
Why Xi may be planning a bigger bazooka for Trump's return
A possible second term muddies an already-chaotic debate in Beijing, adding to disagreement over the size of a fiscal stimulus and how it should be spent.
3 mins
Are robots the cure for loneliness?
Some are leaning on robots for companionship, but there can be a downside to this.
7 mins
Should we buy into virtual influencers?
Brands need good spokespersons. Digital humans” have many plus points, even if they lack authenticity.
5 mins
Musk and friends are smothering the internet's truth seekers
Targeting groups studying disinformation is bad news for democracy.
4 mins
Time to recalibrate COE system to meet social needs
A priority scheme for COEs for families and caregivers of young children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and those with serious health conditions could involve a partial or complete COE waiver if certain conditions are fulfilled, or the introduction of a separate COE category.
1 min
Roads ● Convert existing infrastructure to encourage public transport journeys
The Land Transport Authority's (LTA) move to increase certificates of entitlement (COEs) to add up to 20,000 across vehicle categories over the next few years from Feb 2025 is shocking.
1 min
End-of-life issue ● Allow bank account holders to nominate beneficiaries
Unlike the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and insurance plans that allow holders to nominate beneficiaries, there is no similar provision for bank accounts.
1 min
Healthcare ● Pragmatic to incorporate TCM into Healthier SG
I believe that incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into Healthier SG is a pragmatic move (Traditional Chinese medicine could play a role in Healthier SG: Ong Ye Kung, Oct 27).
1 min
LECK IS HAPPY WITH BERRY BLISS
Smart horse gives rookie trainer solid claims to a first feature win
3 mins
AUSTRALIA BUCKLES DOWN FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP
First Tuesday of November brings up manic mystique of the 'race that stops a nation'
4 mins
Cup out, Champions Stakes in for Sistina
The owners of Melbourne Cup favourite Via Sistina have decided that the mare will not run in Australia's biggest race on Nov 5 and will instead feature in the Champions Stakes at Flemington Racecourse the following weekend on Nov 9.
1 min
Yankees dodge sweep with grand slam
Anthony Volpe smashed a grand slam as the New York Yankees avoided being swept in the World Series on Oct 29 with an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2 mins
MAVS GET INTO 'GREAT RHYTHM'
Dallas impress early in season as Irving outduels Edwards in West Finals rematch
2 mins
Tour goes local with all of 2025 route in France
The 2025 Tour de France will be raced exclusively in France for the first time since the 2020 Covid-19 edition, with the 21 stages including two time trials, a blockbuster final week in the Alps and a return to the finale on the Champs-Elysees.
2 mins
Tay going the distance for Olympic dream
National swimmer Zackery Tay was just 13 when he told his parents he wanted to train in Thailand.
3 mins
MORE MEDALS, SAME STYLE
Hong Kong's Haughey 'still the same person' after winning four freestyle Olympic medals
2 mins
'Energised' Slade ready to take on All Blacks
England rugby coach Steve Borthwick said Henry Slade was in \"fantastic condition\" after selecting the centre to start against New Zealand in the opening November international on Nov 2, despite less than an hour of competitive action so far this season.
2 mins
ALCARAZ PICKING UP SPEED IN PARIS
Spaniard getting used to pace of the court as he defeats Jarry to reach last 16 of Masters event
2 mins
Saudi's World Cup bid report labelled 'flawed'
An independent human rights assessment prepared for Saudi Arabia's successful 2034 World Cup bid is \"flawed\" and \"misleading\", rights groups said on Oct 29.
2 mins
Tennis aims to improve consistency of balls
Yellow felt and a rubber core. A tennis ball seems so simple. But the reality is more complicated, at least on the pro tours where manufacturers can make balls that fit into a range of specifications.
3 mins
Players must deliver for new boss, a coming force in coaching
That Erik ten Hag's departure came on Oct 28, 2024 tells much of the continuing crises of confidence at Manchester United.
1 min
AMORIM SET TO LEAD RED DEVILS
Portuguese manager's background suggests a special similarity to compatriot Mourinho
3 mins
Sympathy for a 'phenomenal' coach
Erik ten Hag had the sympathy of managers around the English Premier League a day after he was sacked by Manchester United, with most saying they could face the same fate any day in the resultsdriven business.
2 mins
A 'DISCIPLINED' MANAGER
Long-serving Lions official, part of team who won Malaysia Cup, dies aged 81
3 mins
Saints can smile after League Cup win over Stoke
English Premier League strugglers Southampton squeezed into the League Cup quarter-finals on Oct 29, when James Bree struck a late winner at home to down Championship side Stoke City 3-2.
2 mins
Weaving a rich sonic tapestry
Acts taking the stage at the Esplanade include RaghaJazz, Shaan and The F16s
3 mins
Telling personal stories amid chaos in the world
Audiences can listen to six personal stories of people affected by the 1947 Partition of India at Train To Pakistan, a play by HuM Theatre.
2 mins
Giving Indian classical dance a bigger stage
British choreographer Akram Khan, 50, internationally renowned for his invigorating blend of the classical Kathak tradition and contemporary dance, considers the Esplanade his Asian home.
3 mins
T'ang Quartet impresses with Bach-inspired renditions
The T'ang Quartet as fans knew it in 1992, its inaugural year, does not quite exist any more.
2 mins
Affordable Art Fair marks 15 years in S'pore
Nearly a quarter of the 83 galleries at the 2024 edition have been with the event since its early days
3 mins
Mikey Madison shines in Anora
The actress is magnetic as a stripper who weds the playboy son of a Russian oligarch
2 mins
I, The Executioner a satisfying cop drama, family film Bookworm charms
It is serious business after the hijinks of their 2015 South Korean blockbuster caper Veteran. Hard-boiled detective Seo Do-cheol (Hwang Jung-min) and his Violent Crimes Unit in Seoul pursue a serial killer who is taunting them with online clips of his next victim.
2 mins
Strong performances elevate K-drama's creepy dystopia
In its first season in 2021, Netflix K-drama Hellbound – set in a world thrown into chaos when monstrous beings appear to drag people to hell via brutal beatings and burnings known as \"demonstrations\" – was less concerned with unpacking why such a phenomenon was happening than with examining the human response to it.
2 mins
Stream This Song: The Cure - Alone
After 16 years, seminal British band The Cure are finally back with a new song.
1 min
Singapore Scene: Regina Song The Cutest Pair
Singer-songwriter Regina Song, 20, is shaping up to be one of the local scene's fastest-rising names.
1 min
Must-see MV: Rose & Bruno Mars - Apt.
Is this ditty stuck in your head? Chances are, you are not alone. K-pop girl group Blackpink's Rose is the latest among her bandmates to release her own music in recent days following Lisa and Jennie—and she has got American pop star Bruno Mars to sing along.
1 min
Chart Champ: Coldplay Moon Music
British band Coldplay's 10th album cements their status as music industry juggernauts.
1 min
Ace Album: Halsey The Great Impersonator
In her fifth album, American singer Halsey channels some of the most iconic music personalities of the last few decades.
1 min
Seventeen brings world tour here in January
After BTS, Blackpink and Stray Kids, Seventeen will be the next K-pop act to play at the National Stadium in Singapore.
2 mins
Chef Jimmy Lim of Taiwan's three-Michelin-starred JL Studio to cook in Singapore
Running a three-Michelin-starred restaurant and being a new dad are serious pieces of business.
3 mins
Interactive Harry Potter art experience comes to Sentosa
Fans of Harry Potter, get ready to visit Hogwarts and the rest of the wizarding world in November.
1 min
Singapore Fringe Festival faces closure as M1 ends donorship in 2025
The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival (MISFF) is facing an uncertain future as its title donor, Singapore-based telco M1 Limited, will end its financial support after the festival's 21st edition in 2025.
2 mins
Disney and Pixar topiaries debut at Gardens by the Bay
Ring in the holiday season with beloved characters from Disney and Pixar.
1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Unlock your access to award-winning journalism on Singapore and the world. With bureaus in major cities around the world, The Straits Times correspondents bring world news to readers on a Singapore platter, helping them appreciate world events from a Singaporean perspective.
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