The Straits Times - December 11, 2024
The Straits Times - December 11, 2024
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In this issue
December 11, 2024
S'pore improves in test of adult skills, but decline among older workers flagged
OECD study finds sizeable gap remains between young adults and older workers
3 mins
Iata: Number of air travellers to cross 5 billion for first time; average fares to drop
GENEVA - The number of air travellers around the world is expected to surpass five billion for the first time in 2025 as travel becomes increasingly affordable, said the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
3 mins
SkillsFuture helps older workers close skills gaps, says Chan Chun Sing
Continued learning to hone skills will enable them to stay competitive, says minister
3 mins
Man arrested over fatal knife attack at Hougang hardware store
A knife attack in Hougang in the late morning on Dec 10 left one woman dead and two others, including the suspected assailant, injured.
2 mins
South Korea prosecutors seek arrest warrant for ex-minister
The move comes amid fears a key suspect in the failed martial law declaration could flee
3 mins
K-pop light sticks find new life in Seoul rallies
SEOUL - The cityscape of South Korean capital city Seoul has transformed into a glittering colour display marrying K-pop and politics, with scores of music fans singing in the streets and waving glow sticks in protest against President Yoon Suk Yeol.
2 mins
President Yoon's arrest possible in theory, but many obstacles in the way
The idea of a sitting president being arrested, once deemed unthinkable, now looms as a real possibility in South Korea.
3 mins
New Punggol Coast MRT station opens, cutting travel time to city
It will also allow trains on the NEL to run at higher frequency during peak hours
4 mins
Billionaire bros pack Trump's team
When Donald Trump becomes president on Jan 20, at 78 years and seven months, not only will he be the oldest American to take the oath of office, but he will also be the richest.
2 mins
Failure of autogates at JB checkpoint caused by technical glitch
JOHOR BAHRU - A faulty network core switch caused the failure of all autogates at Johor's main border checkpoint on Dec 8, disrupting operations at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.
2 mins
Malaysian lawmakers approve Bill to broaden Control of internet
Malaysian lawmakers have voted in favour of broadening the government's control over the internet, unmoved by criticism that the law risks suppressing dissent and free speech.
1 min
Anwar keeps mum over 'decree' allowing house arrest for Najib
Malaysian PM cites jailed ex-leader's upcoming appeal over alleged 'addendum'
3 mins
Xi says trade war between China and US will have 'no winners'
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Dec 10 that a trade war with the United States would result in \"no winners\", state media said, ahead of January's inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
2 mins
Beijing's plans for new London embassy rejected by local officials
LONDON - China's plans for a new large embassy in London were rejected by local officials on Dec 9 on the grounds that it could pose a security risk to nearby residents, putting pressure on the national government to reject the planning application.
1 min
Private banks in China seek state capital amid economic pressures
Lenders grappling with effects of property crisis and low interest rates
3 mins
South China Sea resupply missions to go on: Marcos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Dec 10 that the Philippines would continue its resupply missions in the South China Sea without the need to deploy the navy, despite a recent incident with Chinese ships in contested waters.
1 min
China arrests ex-agriculture minister for suspected bribery
BEIJING - China has arrested its former agriculture minister and party secretary Tang Renjian for suspected bribery, the nation's top prosecutor said on Dec 10, the latest official caught up in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption crackdown.
1 min
Taiwan's risk alert up as China sends large naval fleet to region
Taipei says scale of deployment, which includes coast guard vessels, largest since 1996
2 mins
Indonesian police said to be involved in extrajudicial killings
JAKARTA - Indonesian police were allegedly involved in dozens of extrajudicial killings, resulting in the deaths of 31 people, indicating a lack of progress in police reforms, Amnesty International Indonesia said on Dec 9.
1 min
First deal under Taiwan-US trade initiative takes effect
The first agreement signed under a trade initiative between Taiwan and the US came into force on Dec 10, both governments announced, as Taipei hopes a raft of ongoing talks will eventually lead to a free trade deal.
1 min
ISIS will try to re-establish capabilities, Blinken warns
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Dec 9 that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will try to use this period to re-establish capabilities in Syria, but said Washington is determined not to let that happen.
1 min
Netanyahu's corruption case divides Israeli public
TEL AVIV - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu testified on Dec 10 for the first time in his long-running corruption trial.
2 mins
Israel pounds Syrian army bases, denies advancing past buffer zone
It calls move into demilitarised zone a temporary step to ensure border security
3 mins
Israeli PM assails media as he testifies in his graft trial
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the witness stand for the first time on Dec 10 in his long-running corruption trial, saying he was being hounded for his hawkish security policies.
2 mins
Russia close to achieving goals in Ukraine war: Putin's spy chief
He says Moscow has strategic initiative in all areas while Kyiv's forces close to collapse
2 mins
Google unveils new quantum chip with speed breakthrough
Google's quantum computer needs just five minutes to solve a problem that would take supercomputers around 10 septillion years.
2 mins
Scam farms in the Philippines downsize to avoid crackdown
MANILA - Criminal gangs running online scam farms in the Philippines are downsizing in a change of tactics to avoid a sweeping crackdown, officials said on Dec 10.
2 mins
Suspect in killing of insurance CEO charged with murder
New York prosecutors have filed a murder charge against the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth chief executive Brian Thompson, a brazen shooting that set off a five-day manhunt that culminated in his capture in Pennsylvania on Dec. 9.
3 mins
Couple get credit cards cancelled by identity thieves during holiday
Banks blocked their accounts at request of impersonator who initially failed verification process
4 mins
Post-revamp Golden Mile Complex to feature both new
When Golden Mile Complex reopens to the public after its refurbishment is completed in late 2029, visitors can expect to experience familiar \"character-defining elements\", like the building's large atriums, once again.
5 mins
3 international judges appointed to Supreme Court
Three international judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court of Singapore for a two-year term, from Jan 5, 2025, to Jan 4, 2027.
2 mins
New restaurant aims to promote Hakka cuisine, culture here
Salt-baked chicken, stuffed tofu and traditional Hakka pork soup may become mainstays in Singapore's food culture and help promote interest in Hakka culture here.
2 mins
A chess club like no other
Aliwal Chess Club finds unorthodox ways to make the game accessible to everyone
3 mins
Should I let anyone 'crack' my neck?
You might feel good after getting your neck \"cracked\", but the manoeuvre can be dangerous.
4 mins
Effort to restore 100,000 corals under way, using 'HDB-style' tanks
Grown to a healthy size, they will be planted in the sea to create reef habitats
4 mins
Singapore market ends firmer, boosted by bank stocks
STI climbs 0.5% as losers outnumber gainers 277 to 255 | Seatrium biggest STI winner, Mapletreelnd loses the most | Regional markets mixed with Nikkei up, Hang Seng down
1 min
Resilient Asian economies can endure turbulence, says IMF
Despite challenges, lender believes region has great deal of upside growth potential
2 mins
Adani, Modi share stage as group announces $119b investment plan
MUMBAI - At a public event where billionaire Gautam Adani sat close to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Adani Group announced a plan to invest tens of billions of dollars, signaling that both its business ambitions and political goodwill were intact despite the company's legal woes in the US.
2 mins
China's exports slow sharply, imports shrink ahead of Trump tariffs
BEIJING - China's exports grew at a slower pace in November than the bumper month before, while imports unexpectedly shrank, in a worrying sign for the world's No. 2 economy as President-elect Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House brings fresh trade risks.
2 mins
China make-up mogul becomes billionaire on hot Hong Kong IPO
BEIJING - One of China's best-known make-up artists, Mr Mao Geping, has become a billionaire as shares of his beauty company soared as much as 87 per cent after beginning trading in Hong Kong.
2 mins
GIC picks JPMorgan to advise on sale of its 50% stake in Greenko
MUMBAI - Sovereign wealth fund GIC is working with JPMorgan Chase & Co to help advise on a strategic review of options including a sale of its 50 per cent stake in India's Greenko Energy Holdings, people familiar with the matter said, in what could be one of the biggest disposals in the country.
1 min
S'pore property tycoons setting up family office in Abu Dhabi
Mr Raj Kumar and Mr Kishin R.K., the father-and-son duo behind one of Singapore's biggest property portfolios, are setting up a family office in Abu Dhabi, joining a growing list of rich people helping to cement the Middle East's status as a haven for the super wealthy.
2 mins
Billionaires most upbeat on opportunities in North America: UBS survey
Stronger US economy predicted in 2025; respondents less optimistic about Asia-Pac
3 mins
DBS, Japan's top lenders said to be among bidders for Panin Bank
Asian banks including DBS Group Holdings, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group are among potential suitors for Bank Pan Indonesia, according to people familiar with the matter.
1 min
Hai Leck founder offers to privatise engineering firm at 55 cents a share
The founder and chairman of engineering firm Hai Leck, Mr Cheng Buck Poh, has proposed to privatise the company at 55 cents a share in cash via a scheme of arrangement.
1 min
Part-time security officers' hourly pay up 33% by 2028
New 3-year plan extends wage ladder for the sector, kicks in from Jan 2026
3 mins
A post-Assad Syria has just raised the risk of more conflict in the Middle East in 2025
With the future of the country up for grabs, warring militias are not the only parties with stakes in the outcome. Russia and Iran have interests to protect too despite their setback.
7 mins
Exploiting disarray in Syria, Israel grabs more of the Golan Heights
The incursions are neither justified nor necessary.
4 mins
The arts doctor is in. You can now step out of yourself
Far from being non-essential, arts activities can improve mental health and well-being.
5 mins
India needs more data transparency
Few used to question the reliability of the country's GDP growth numbers. That's beginning to change.
3 mins
Beware of China's political grandstanding on stimulus
Beijing's big ideas have not been followed by concrete actions. There are plausible explanations.
2 mins
Good ideas know no borders
There is something narrow-minded about criticising a British politician for being 'America-brained'.
3 mins
Vaccines ● Case for letting people use Medisave for protection against shingles
I was disappointed to read about the Ministry of Health's stance on not subsidising the cost of the shingles vaccine (No subsidy for shingles vaccine as it is not cost-effective: MOH, Dec 9).
1 min
Replies Cancer ● Ratio of deaths to new cases of disease in Singapore comparable to other countries
We refer to the report \"More cancer patients in Singapore die, compared with US, South Korea: Paper\" (Dec 9).
1 min
Hawker centres ● Revamps attract crowds and help improve hygiene
I am always thankful for revamps of hawker centres (Costly renovations not the only way to attract crowds, Dec 10).
1 min
Govt must act firmly against residents who break rules in HDB estates
Incidents of residents cluttering the common corridors at HDB blocks are a symptom of a larger problem – the lack of enforcement of existing rules and regulations.
1 min
BOY XANDER LOOKS GOOD ENOUGH FOR A THIRD WIN
Lim's Craft, Emphatic, Matilda shine at KL trackwork on Dec 10
3 mins
HEROIC MASTER SET TO WIN
Dec II Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis.
4 mins
World No. 1 Sabalenka is WTA Player of the Year
LONDON - Aryna Sabalenka has been voted the WTA Player of the Year for the first time after the Belarusian won two Grand Slam titles and secured the year-end world No. 1 ranking, the governing body of women's tennis said.
2 mins
HOLDER GREEN SIGNS UP FOR S'PORE RETURN
Australian will seek to become the second golfer to retain HSBC Women's World C'ship
2 mins
Wallabies aim to be top of rankings by 2029
SYDNEY - Rugby Australia released an ambitious strategy document on Dec 10 with the bold aim of becoming the top rugby nation in the world over the next five years.
2 mins
Orlando's team spirit key against Milwaukee
The quarter-finals of the NBA (National Basketball Association) Cup get under way on Dec 10 (Dec 11, Singapore time), with the Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Orlando Magic to kick things off.
2 mins
Win a cow, fish and chickens at half-marathon
A half-marathon in China's north-east province of Jilin has announced an unusual selection of prizes, with the first over the line winning a cow and other runners getting wild fish, geese or roosters, in a bid to attract more participants and promote local produce.
1 min
COACH WANTS TIGHTER DEFENCE FOR KNICKS
New York overcome Toronto but Thibodeau seeks improvement ahead of NBA Cup quarter-finals
2 mins
BOWEN DROPS THE HAMMER ON WOLVES BOSS
O'Neil closer to exit after his second-bottom side fall 2-1 at West Ham in EPL's 'El Sackico'
2 mins
Climate concerns over 3-continent World Cup
PARIS - The 2030 World Cup will send dozens of football teams and hordes of fans criss-crossing the globe for matches on three continents, sparking alarm over the environmental cost.
2 mins
Saudi scores in goal to 'humanise football' in series
RIYADH - A new Netflix series on Saudi football features packed stadiums and top-flight talent, but whether it can curb criticism of Riyadh's bid to host World Cup 2034 is a question.
2 mins
Hearing for City's case ends, verdict in 2025
LONDON - Manchester City's long-awaited hearing into 115 breaches of English Premier League rules has concluded, according to reports on Dec 9, but a verdict is not expected until 2025.
1 min
EUROPEAN EMPHASIS ESCALATES FOR CITY
With EPL title defence in tatters, they turn attention to Juventus in Champions League
2 mins
Monaco starlets have quality to trouble Arsenal
PARIS - Monaco go into their Champions League encounter with Arsenal on Dec 11 having enjoyed a fine start to the season at home and in Europe, led by the latest exciting talent to come through the club's academy, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Maghnes Akliouche.
2 mins
'Soft and sweet' Lim strives to be at sharp end of darts
Like many senior citizens, Singapore darts legend Paul Lim sees floaters, has double vision and is considering having his cataract removed.
4 mins
TIME TO SHOW HIS METTLE
Hit by recent criticism, skipper Hariss says Lions can prove themselves at Asean C'ship
3 mins
Do laxatives help with weight loss?
They are not a permanent or healthy way to lose weight, and overuse or misuse can lead to health problems, doctors warn
5 mins
Murky caregiving obligations of older unmarried couples in the US
Such partnerships among elderly Americans continue to climb, and many are unlikely to have advance care planning
4 mins
Why is this song stuck in my head?
Psychologists say certain songs are more likely than others to keep playing in your brain
3 mins
Books, lost or imaginary, come to life at Grolier Club
NEW YORK - At Grolier Club on the Upper East Side is an object never before displayed in public - an edition of one of American author Ernest Hemingway's first novels, which was stolen when his first wife left a bag unattended on a train in 1922.
3 mins
Working Out for Better Sleep
Exercising too intensely can backfire, making it harder to drift off or stay asleep
4 mins
Pharrell Williams tells his life story with Lego
Animated comedy Piece By Piece recreates key moments in American Grammy winner's journey to become a successful musician
3 mins
Spy dramas like Black Doves and The Agency get personal
NEW YORK - Ukraine and Russia are at war. Political instability and civil war rage in Sudan. Iran is ramping up its nuclear capabilities. The world is basically a mess in The Agency, the new espionage series that inundates the viewer with rapidly intersecting storylines set on an increasingly complicated geopolitical playing field.
4 mins
2025 Golden Globes: Emilia Perez and The Brutalist Lead Film Nominations
Musical thriller Emilia Perez and post-World War II epic The Brutalist topped the roster of films nominated on Dec 9 for the 2025 Golden Globes, the Hollywood honours that kick off the awards season leading to the Oscars.
2 mins
All-time-high numbers for 35th edition
Singapore International Film Festival
2 mins
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concludes with record $2.78 billion in ticket sales
Long live all the magic (and money) American superstar Taylor Swift (right) made. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter's history-making The Eras Tour ended in Vancouver, Canada, on Dec 8.
2 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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