The Straits Times - December 09, 2024
The Straits Times - December 09, 2024
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In this issue
December 09, 2024
Syrian rebels oust Assad, forcing him to flee country
Islamist fighters also deal major blow to influence of Russia and Iran in the region
4 mins
S. Korea's crisis deepens as prosecutors close in on Yoon, ex-minister
SEOUL - South Korea's leadership crisis deepened on Dec 8 as prosecutors named President Yoon Suk Yeol as a subject in a criminal investigation over his bid last week to impose martial law, his former defence minister was arrested, and his interior minister resigned.
4 mins
More cancer patients in Singapore die, compared with US, S. Korea: Paper
Age at diagnosis, lower screening rates among possible reasons, say doctors
4 mins
New uses for vacant school sites as co-living space, sustainability hub and pre-school
A number of former school sites across the island, left vacant in recent years, have been returned to the community and reimagined for a variety of uses, from housing a pre-school to becoming co-living spaces.
4 mins
Assad's fall from power plunges Syria, Middle East into uncertainty
Few Arab leaders as wily as Assad in navigating treacherous politics of region
4 mins
Who's fighting and why in the revived Syrian war
Once a French-run mandate, Syria became independent after World War II.
3 mins
How Damascus fell in 11 days
Islamist-led rebels on Dec 8 declared the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria, saying they had ousted him as they swept into the capital Damascus and sent him fleeing.
2 mins
Yoon's industrial projects at risk amid political crisis
Martial law turmoil casts doubt on the initiatives, country's global trade strategy
3 mins
Impeachment motion highlights South Korea's generational gap
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment vote is highlighting a widening generational chasm.
2 mins
Beijing nudging HK's tycoons to do more. Will they heed the call?
Relationship between the central govt and city's business elites is evolving
5 mins
Suspected synagogue arson appears to be terrorist act, says Aussie PM
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Dec 8 that suspected arson at a Melbourne synagogue appeared to be an act of terror, a day after his Israeli counterpart said the Labor government had motivated the crime with anti-Israel policies.
2 mins
India's craving for baked chips, protein bars spurring growth of health food
Market fuelled by 440 million health-conscious millennials who have the spending capacity
5 mins
Canberra seeks Aussie-flagged cargo fleet to secure trade
SYDNEY - Australia is commissioning the first three vessels in a \"strategic\" commercial shipping fleet it is forming to secure its trade against future wars or disasters – a costly move that has stirred debate about whether the country can rely on global shipping.
3 mins
Germany's far-right AfD names its first Chancellor candidate
AfD nominated Dr Alice Weidel, who speaks fluent Mandarin, having done her PhD in economics in China
2 mins
Macron brings Trump, Zelensky together at Notre-Dame event
French President continues earlier personal approach in ties with incoming US leader
3 mins
Russia stepping up hybrid war in the Baltic Sea: Experts
They say Nato countries in the region should prepare for an extended conflict
3 mins
Ukrainians seeking new energy sources to beat winter blackouts
Standing on the rooftop of a 16-storey residential apartment building in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Mr Valerii Pyndyk pointed to several rows of solar panels.
2 mins
Toll from The Hague building explosion rises
At least five bodies have been pulled from the wreckage of an apartment block in The Hague, the authorities said, as recovery efforts stretched into a second day on Dec 8.
1 min
Deepfakes weaponised to target Pakistan's women leaders
They can undermine reputations in a country with poor media literacy and conservative mores
3 mins
US House to vote to provide $4b to remove Chinese telecoms equipment
The US House of Representatives is set to vote this week on an annual defence Bill that includes just over US$3 billion (S$4 billion) for US telecoms companies to remove equipment made by Chinese telecoms companies Huawei and ZTE from American wireless networks to address security risks.
1 min
JAPAN'S BEAR PROBLEM
A dwindling band of ageing hunters is on the front line as the country grapples with increased bear attacks
6 mins
At least 20 killed in Gaza; Qatar voices hope for Ceasefire
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 20 Palestinians on Dec 7, local health officials said, as Qatar voiced hope of fresh momentum in efforts to reach a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.
1 min
Israeli military deploys forces in Syria buffer zone
It says its soldiers are in UN-patrolled zone to assist peacekeepers in repelling attack
2 mins
'I earn $300k annually "
How younger workers are using social media to push for pay transparency
4 mins
Works on East-West Line on schedule; service set to resume on Dec 11
Track works on the East-West Line (EWL) are progressing on schedule, and regular train service is expected to resume as planned on Dec 11.
2 mins
No subsidy for shingles vaccine due to high cost: MOH
At manufacturer's proposed price, vaccine is not considered cost-effective at population level
2 mins
I wanted to bash my head against the wall to stop the pain
For almost two weeks, I endured excruciating pain that no medicine could alleviate.
5 mins
Chinese EV brand Deepal to debut at Singapore Motorshow
Deepal, an electric vehicle (EV) brand from China, will make its debut at the Singapore Motorshow in January 2025, its Singapore distributor Premium Automobiles confirmed to The Straits Times on Dec 6.
3 mins
Migrant worker rights group Home celebrates 20th anniversary
The migrant worker rights group Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) on Dec 8 celebrated its 20th anniversary with song and dance performances that brought a party atmosphere to the United World College South East Asia Dover campus.
3 mins
PlayPan social movement finds new home at Far East Square
It hopes to transform domed venue into space for events with social impact focus
3 mins
DELUGE
Wettest November on record: What's behind the rainy weather in Singapore?
5 mins
UK retailers feed off public affection for festive ads
Firms expected to spend record amount on mostly online promotions during Christmas
2 mins
Does everyone get a 13th-month bonus?
In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' HeadSTart newsletter.
2 mins
The furious contest to unseat Nvidia as king of AI chips
For some crucial AI tasks, firm's rivals prove they can deliver faster speed, and at lower prices
5 mins
Markets continue to power northwards on expectations of rate cuts
Uptrend appears intact but some volatility in later part of week possible on fresh news and data flows
5 mins
Mixed outlook for S'pore's e-commerce industry
Rising competition, economic uncertainty among factors affecting sector's growth
4 mins
After realising dream to lead his nation, Japan PM is fighting just to survive 2025
Shigeru Ishiba is squandering an advantage to put Japan on firmer ground.
7 mins
How to inspire people
The answer is not another video of Steve Jobs.
3 mins
What to do with the children of Indonesia's ISIS fighters
Stranded in camps in Syria, they are viewed with suspicion back home. Reintegrating them into society is not easy but it is the only way forward.
5 mins
TikTok may not be able to rely on Mr Unreliable
The app's existence brings little upside for Trump personally now that he's no longer chasing votes.
4 mins
Will China's manufacturing juggernaut run out of road?
Faced with weak demand at home and the threat of tariffs abroad, Beijing is under pressure to rethink its export-driven model.
8 mins
Volunteering ● Free service shouldn't mean bad service
I agree with MP Baey Yam Keng's call for the public to respect volunteers who were giving free haircuts (Tampines MP Baey Yam Keng urges respect after man confronts 82-year-old volunteer over free haircut, Dec 5).
1 min
Dementia ● Factor in quality of life when treating elderly patients
I am writing in response to the Opinion piece \"Dementia caregivers' dilemma: 'No tube feeding? Am I killing him?'\" (Dec 5).
1 min
New options for booking ride-hailing services do not serve parents well
I refer to the article \"Ride-hailing passengers can now request child seats, extra boot space for wheelchairs\" (Dec 4).
1 min
Voices of Youth Healthcare ● Integrating AI a good move
As a volunteer healthcare worker, I find it exciting that hospitals and healthcare institutions are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our healthcare services (Robot nurses that monitor patients' condition, issue medicine to be piloted at NUH in 2025, Dec 5).
1 min
Dementia patients ● Tube feeding must come with sound reasons
I would like to weigh in on a few issues raised in the Opinion piece \"Dementia caregivers' dilemma: 'No tube feeding? Am I killing him?' (Dec 5).
1 min
ROMANTIC WARRIOR MAKES HISTORY
Ka Ying Rising, Voyage Bubble, Giavellotto celebrate Group 1 victories in Hong Kong
4 mins
Noah Khan keeps improving after stable move
KUALA LUMPUR - Noah Khan continued to make progress under trainer Siva Kumar and proved this with an upset win over Bintang Sixty-One in the RM40,000 (S$12,200) Class 3 (1,020m) handicap at Sungai Besi on Dec 8.
1 min
Coach relies on Bucks trio to help team grow
NEW YORK - Other than the eventual defeat, Khris Middleton enjoyed everything about his season debut for the Milwaukee Bucks as he played with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard for the first time this National Basketball Association (NBA) campaign.
2 mins
'EVERYBODY'S FAULT' IN NUGGETS SHOCKER
Jokic's career-high 56 points not enough as Poole-led Wizards end their 16-game losing spell
3 mins
Hero leader Thomas feels confident after seeing signs of improvement
MIAMI - Justin Thomas has been working on \"the right things,\" and on Dec. 7 he fired six birdies for a six-under 66 to grab a one-shot lead over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler heading into the final round of the Hero World Challenge.
2 mins
Flag football looks beyond 2028 LA Olympics
MIAMI - American football, in the form of flag football, will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 and the sport's governing body wants to make sure it remains in the Games in the long term.
1 min
Vonn happy with 'solid start' as return picks up speed
LOS ANGELES - Former Olympic and world champion Lindsey Vonn began her \"solid\" World Cup comeback trail at the age of 40, completing her first downhill race in almost six years on Dec 7.
2 mins
NORRIS HUNGRY FOR MORE NEXT SEASON
Briton brings home team title for McLaren after conquering action-packed race in UAE
2 mins
GOOD ROLE MODELS IMPORTANT
China's 4-time women's world chess champ Hou credits men for support in early years
3 mins
Commentary Meet the 'seconds' – unsung heroes behind every champ
There's a lot of second guessing going on at the Fide World Championship.
4 mins
UNITED WILL TURN CORNER, INSISTS AMORIM
New boss takes the blame after they let in another set-piece goal in defeat by Forest
2 mins
Real's form returning little by little, says Ancelotti
GIRONA - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with his team's display after their resounding 3-0 victory at Girona in the Spanish La Liga on Dec 7 following recent disappointing performances.
2 mins
City not thinking of title chase in 'a season to suffer'
LONDON - Manchester City cannot think about winning a fifth consecutive English Premier League title, manager Pep Guardiola said, with his team mired in a run of poor performances.
2 mins
Arsenal vow to keep going after dropping points
LONDON - With English Premier League leaders Liverpool not in action this past weekend because their match at Everton was postponed due to bad weather, Arsenal had the chance to close the gap on the Reds.
2 mins
33 BUT 'I'M AT MY BEST'
Safuwan grateful his career is heading the right way again after multiple injuries
3 mins
Less ABCs, more Ps and Qs
Preparing for Primary 1
6 mins
No regrets banning social media for my young teen
I restricted my then 13-year-old daughter's access to such apps and screen time to protect her, and I can see how she has benefited from the decision
6 mins
The Gesualdo Six overcomes dry acoustics with rich sonority
CONCERT MORNING STAR: THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
2 mins
Theatre hits in the line-up
The 23rd edition of the festival will feature works by novelist Lao She, writer-director Wu Nien-jen and more
2 mins
Responsive, agile SSO under conductor Vasily Petrenko
Few things seem to connect Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's lush string serenade, Manuel de Falla's atmospheric Andalusian postcard Noches en los Jardines de Espana and Ludwig van Beethoven's elemental, propulsive Seventh Symphony.
2 mins
Harry Potter TV series filming in 2025, White Lotus back in February
The first Harry Potter television series is scheduled to start filming in mid-2025 at Warner Bros' Leavesden studios in Britain, Warner Bros Discovery said on Dec 5.
1 min
Poet Shuntaro Tanikawa also a translator of Peanuts
TOKYO - Shuntaro Tanikawa (right), Japan's most popular poet for more than half a century, died in Tokyo on Nov 13, at age 92.
3 mins
Singer-actress Miho Nakayama known for romance film Love Letter
TOKYO - Japanese singer-actress Miho Nakayama was found dead at her residence in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on Dec 6. She was 54.
2 mins
Coup film 12.12: The Day tops Netflix
Aftermath of South Korea martial law chaos
2 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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