The Straits Times - December 17, 2024
The Straits Times - December 17, 2024
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In this issue
December 17, 2024
Allianz axes deal with Income Insurance after public scrutiny
Move comes 2 months after Govt blocked union over deal structure, social concerns
3 mins
Firms adopting cautious approach to pay rises in 2025: HR experts
Employees in Singapore could see salary increments ranging from 2 per cent to 5 per cent on average in the coming year, though the outlook varies across sectors, according to recent salary surveys by human resources (HR) firms.
4 mins
New private home sales surge in Nov to highest since 2013
Interest rate cuts, more new launches fuel 246.5% spike in sales from October
3 mins
Court begins review of Yoon's impeachment
SEOUL South Korea's Constitutional Court on Dec 16 began reviewing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his Dec 3 martial law attempt, starting a process to decide if he will be removed from office, while investigators plan to question him this week on criminal charges.
2 mins
Safe, orderly protests highlight nation's mature democracy
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Dec 3 sparked demonstrations across the nation attended by tens of thousands of people.
3 mins
S. Korea ruling party in disarray, but split unlikely before election
Analysts expect PPP to stay united as it prepares for possible snap presidential polls
4 mins
Thailand to host two regional meetings on Myanmar this week
BANGKOK - Thailand said on Dec 16 that it will host two regional meetings on Myanmar this week, with at least one to have representatives of the junta, as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said efforts were being made to bring Myanmar back to the fore of Asean.
1 min
Xi calls on Communist Party to 'turn knife inward' to end corruption
China's Communist Party must \"turn the knife inward\" to eliminate problems of discipline, including corruption, President Xi Jinping said, in a new call to hunt down corrupt officials and those who corrupt them.
1 min
Fake Covid-19 vaccinations: Patients paid up to $6k for saline shots, court hears
GP allegedly recorded that they received Sinopharm vaccine after giving them shots
4 mins
Up to 1,000 feared dead as cyclone hits French territory Mayotte
PARIS - Emergency workers raced on Dec 16 to find survivors and restore services to the French overseas territory of Mayotte, where hundreds or even up to a thousand are feared dead from the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century.
2 mins
Long Covid keeping lives on hold five years after pandemic
VIENNA - Three years ago, Ms Andrea Vanek was studying to be an arts and crafts teacher when spells of dizziness and heart palpitations suddenly started to make it impossible for her to even take short walks.
3 mins
Perennial first foreign firm allowed to wholly own tertiary hospital in China
Nod for Singapore group comes as Beijing opens up tightly regulated medical sector
3 mins
Rare foreign-born CEO says Japan needs immigration to thrive
NIIGATA, Japan - The Indian-born head of one of Japan's most famous snack brands has warned that the country must change its mindset and admit more immigrants to get the economy back to the glory of its boom years.
2 mins
S'porean man said to be part of crypto scam arrested in Thailand
A Singaporean man has been arrested in Thailand for his suspected involvement in cryptocurrency scam activities that cheated would-be investors of more than 22.4 million baht (S$887,000).
1 min
China approves mpox vaccine for clinical trials
Dose from Sinopharm able to stimulate immune protection against the disease
1 min
Select Asian students to study medicine in japan free
Japan's Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry plans to cover tuition and living expenses for select international students from Asia studying at medical schools in the country.
1 min
Taiwan receives first batch of US-made advanced battle tanks
Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the US, the Defence Ministry said on Dec 16, as the island boosts its military capabilities against a potential Chinese attack.
2 mins
Anwar appoints Thaksin to advise Malaysia when it chairs Asean
PUTRAJAYA Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed former Thailand premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his informal adviser on Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2025.
2 mins
Indonesia to raise VAT for most goods and services, not just luxury items
Indonesia on Dec 16 decided to go ahead with a wideranging increase in the value-added tax (VAT) to 12 per cent in 2025, reversing a plan to apply the hike only to luxury goods, but will introduce measures to soften the blow for lower-income earners.
1 min
Bangladesh to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026
Reforms should take place first before arrangements for polls, interim leader says
2 mins
Malaysian court orders Muhyiddin to pay $121k to ex-finance chief in defamation suit
The Malaysian High Court has ordered former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin to pay RM400,000 (S$121,370) to former finance minister Lim Guan Eng before the year ends.
1 min
'Eyelash viper', leaf-nosed bat among new species found in Mekong
A viper with scales that look like eyelashes and a leaf-nosed bat are among dozens of new species identified in Southeast Asia's Mekong region in 2023, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said on Dec 16.
1 min
Assad denies planned exit from Syria, calls new leaders 'terrorists'
Ousted president says he left country only once capital Damascus had fallen to rebels
4 mins
30 N. Korean soldiers killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk: Ukraine
Ukraine said on Dec 16 that its troops have killed or wounded at least 30 North Korean soldiers deployed by Russia to its western Kursk region, where Ukraine has seized territory.
1 min
Israeli PM, Trump discussed Gaza hostages and Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Dec 15 that he spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump about developments in Syria and a recent push to secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
2 mins
Biden and Harris rally Democrats in rare joint appearance post-polls
US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris made a rare post-election joint appearance on Dec 15 to thank donors who raised more than US$2 billion (S$2.7 billion) during the Democrats' unsuccessful 2024 election cycle, and to urge party members to keep fighting for their values.
1 min
British PM Starmer 'concerned' about China challenge amid spy row
OSLO British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Dec 16 that he was \"concerned about the challenge that China poses\" following revelations that a suspected Chinese spy had become a confidant of disgraced royal Prince Andrew.
2 mins
7 tourists 'stable' after suspected alcohol poisoning, Fiji says
SUVA Seven guests hospitalised after drinking cocktails in a luxury Fiji hotel - including four Australians and an American are now in stable condition, the Pacific island government said on Dec 16.
2 mins
Americans are less welcoming of immigrants without legal status: Poll
But many remain wary of harsh steps like detention camps for mass deportation
4 mins
Hearing-impaired Normal (Tech) student secures spot in ITE aerospace course
Youth who faced challenges in school says support of peers and teachers helped him do well
2 mins
She scores at N levels, thanks to love of football, support from others
At around 14 years old, Jenna Tang decided she did not want to be stuck in a bad place forever.
2 mins
TOC issued Pofma order over false claims about death penalty
Online publication The Online Citizen (TOC) has been issued a correction order for publishing statements that the state has used the fake news law to suppress dissenting views on the death penalty.
3 mins
Rainy weather expected this week before year ear ends on a drier note
Revellers celebrating Christmas and the year end can expect generally drier weather, although rain is forecast for this week.
1 min
Bt Panjang LRT to resume full dual-loop service on Dec 30
LTA says the rail service's multi-year asset renewal programme is progressing well
2 mins
Ministers to take legal action against Bloomberg, other media over statements they consider libellous
Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng are taking legal action against Bloomberg and other media outlets for publishing statements concerning their property transactions, which they consider libellous.
1 min
10 years' jail for 'forex trader' who cheated 13 people of over $4.6m
A businessman posed as a successful foreign exchange trader and even published books and magazines to establish his credentials to dupe 13 people into handing him more than $4.6 million in total.
3 mins
Industrial wastewater now more complex to treat: Waste firm
Manufacturing advances mean it may have higher variety of chemicals
3 mins
Jail for man who came to S'pore to collect burglars' loot worth almost $500k
A Chinese national was offered a 30,000 yuan (S$5,600) reward if he came to Singapore to retrieve nearly $500,000 in cash and valuables that two burglars had earlier stolen.
2 mins
STI inches up 0.3% as major regional markets decline
Losers outstrip gainers 333 to 183 on trade of 866.9m shares | OCBC Bank is STI's top gainer, closing up 1.4% at $17 | Biggest loser is Jardine Matheson, down 2.5%
1 min
China's sudden retail slowdown shows need to boost spending
Retail sales rose 3% from a year ago, the slowest in 3 months; cosmetics led the fall
2 mins
Private banks boost Hong Kong hiring to woo rich mainland clients
HONG KONG - Wealth managers are ramping up hiring in Hong Kong to cater to an inflow of mainland Chinese money.
4 mins
Declines in China home prices ease in fragile recovery
China's home price declines eased for a third month in November, suggesting values are beginning to stabilise as policymakers step up efforts to end the property slump.
2 mins
Ho Ching among 3 S'pore women on Forbes power list
Temasek Trust chairwoman Ho Ching took 32nd place in the latest Forbes ranking of the world's most powerful women, while OCBC Bank chief executive Helen Wong made her debut at 59th place.
1 min
Grab's big quarter has some analysts seeing further stock gains
There are more gains to come in Grab Holdings' stock after a 35 per cent surge so far this quarter, according to some analysts.
2 mins
Bitcoin powers above US$106,000 for first time on US strategic reserve hopes
Bitcoin surged to a record high above US$106,000 on Dec 16, after US President-elect Donald Trump suggested he plans to create a US Bitcoin strategic reserve similar to its strategic oil reserve.
2 mins
Debit card for a 9-year-old? Some Singaporeans say yes
They want their kids to learn to pay on their own, be more aware of spending habits
3 mins
Singapore businesses cautiously optimistic for Q1 2025
Local businesses in Singapore maintained cautious optimism for the first quarter of 2025 amid a moderate rise in the Singapore Commercial Credit Bureau's (SCCB) Business Optimism Index (BOI).
1 min
Closure of Special Account for those 55 and above among CPF changes in 2025
Others include contributions for platform workers and increases in Enhanced Retirement Sum
3 mins
AI agents - your virtual assistants who can bank, trade and shop for you
Al-powered agents that can not only make day-to-day decisions for us, but even execute them, are already here. And they are getting better.
6 mins
Tech companies claim AI can recognise emotions, but the science doesn't stack up
Emotion recognition technology poses a range of legal and societal risks - especially when deployed in the workplace.
3 mins
How I became a Taiji Auntie and took part in my first competition
In my beautiful costume, felt like a cosplayer among the seasoned competitors. But I overcame my nerves.
5 mins
The life-changing benefits of taiji
When Mr Alex Kwoi retired in September 2021, he was eager to find an activity that would keep him healthy alongside his weekly game of golf.
3 mins
What Trump's industrial policy will look like
The bipartisan Ships for America legislation offers a glimpse into the likely focus of the next administration.
3 mins
Why China is losing interest in English
Learning the world’s lingua franca is no longer a priority for students or businessmen.
2 mins
Corridor clutter • Multi-pronged approach to tackle issue
We thank Mr Mohamad Nurhafiz Mohd Noor for his letter \"Govt must act firmly against residents who break rules in HDB estates\" (Dec 11).
1 min
Rules ● Make it easier for people to help police with enforcement
I agree with Mr Gary Ng's letter \"Remove need for witnesses of minor traffic offences to be in court\" (Dec 13).
1 min
Helping those with disabilities means more than having good job numbers
As someone living with cerebral palsy, I have been observing Singapore's latest employment initiatives for people with disabilities (PWDs) with a mix of hope and critical reflection (Singapore task force outlines plans to help more people with disabilities find jobs, Sept 16).
1 min
Condos ● Outdoor play in common areas healthy for kids
I have lived in a condominium in the Mountbatten area for more than 13 years.
1 min
Pouchin gets his first HK victory
French jockey Alexis Pouchin notched his first winner in Hong Kong when the Ricky Yiu-trained Harry's Hero ($71) claimed the HK$875,000 ($152,000) Class 5 Lukfook Jewellery Wedding Collection Handicap (1,400m), scoring the breakthrough victory on his 21st ride on Dec 15.
1 min
ONE STRIPE KEEPS EARNING HIS SPURS ON GUINEAS DAY
Smart One World colt lives up to hype in S. African 3YO staple
3 mins
DOUBLE DELIGHT AND IPOH DELIGHTS FOR WAYNE LIM
Besides being a happy hunting ground, city is also family time for Kuala Lumpur trainer
3 mins
DONCIC HAS 'FUN GAME' IN NBA MARK
He has 45 pts in triple-double as Mavs beat Warriors in match with record 48 3-pointers
2 mins
Pricey training centers fuel latest 'arms race'
WASHINGTON - The Cleveland Cavaliers launched the latest salvo. On a drizzly October morning, several hundred people gathered along the Cuyahoga River to celebrate the ground-breaking for a gargantuan practice facility that could outclass any training centre in pro basketball.
4 mins
Athletes are Well-versed in poetry and odes to effort
Bowling a very good ball in cricket, sending it rising and darting, is like writing a fine line of poetry.
3 mins
WINNER WALSH CRANKING UP TO 11
American swimmer ends world c'ships with 7 golds, flurry of world records
2 mins
'Golf nerds' Knapp and Patty top mixed pairs event
MIAMI - Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand and American Jake Knapp completed a wire-to-wire victory at the Grant Thornton Invitational on Dec 15 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
2 mins
BLUES NOT READY TO BE CHAMPS: MARESCA
Chelsea boss 'realistic' about title hopes despite going just two points behind Reds
2 mins
Barca blame bad run on tight schedule
After a second straight league home defeat, Barcelona's assistant coach Marcus Sorg attributed the team's struggles to a demanding schedule that has taken its toll on the players.
2 mins
FI's next female driver a matter of when: Pulling
LONDON Abbi Pulling still has a long road ahead to reach Formula One after winning the all-female F1 Academy title, but it remains the target and she believes time is on her side.
2 mins
Saints boss Martin gets the chop after 5-0 rout by Spurs
LONDON - English Premier League basement club Southampton on Dec 15 sacked manager Russell Martin after a 5-0 home drubbing by Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's.
1 min
GUARDIOLA SAYS HE'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH
Boss takes blame as late derby loss deepens slump, Silva says City 'played like Under-15s'
3 mins
With Fergie time, we put things together: Amorim
MANCHESTER - Ruben Amorim said Manchester United deserved to beat Manchester City, after their dramatic late finish to win 2-1 in the English Premier League at the Etihad on Dec 15.
3 mins
NO NEED TO FEAR, OGURA TELLS LIONS
He admits defence is shaky, but teamwork can help end 8-match losing run to Thais
3 mins
Get behind Singapore, urges ex-coach Raddy
Radojko \"Raddy\" Avramovic is Singapore's longest-serving and most successful football coach, having led the Lions in over 100 matches and to three Asean titles.
3 mins
8 things to buy for frequent fliers
From unique experiences to luxurious comforts to practical gear, get a travel gift as thoughtful as it is useful
6 mins
South Korea's tourism, soft power gains at risk from extended political crisis
From plastic surgery clinics to tour firms to hotel chains, South Korea's hospitality sector is wary of the potential impact of a protracted political crisis, as some overseas travellers cancel trips following the recent brief bout of martial law.
3 mins
SET SAIL FROM DUBAI
Here are five highlights from Resorts World Cruises’ new sea voyage
5 mins
Find peace in Yogyakarta
Head to the Indonesian city for a calm experience and to explore Borobudur Temple
4 mins
Spain probes 'misleading' holiday flat management firms
Spain's government has launched a probe into companies that manage short-term apartment rentals to tourists for alleged \"misleading practices\", as visitor numbers surge.
1 min
Netflix action thriller conjures airport anxieties of the holiday season
LOS ANGELES - For Welsh actor Taron Egerton, the Netflix action film Carry-On pays homage to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers and the on-the-job struggles they encounter, especially during the holiday season.
1 min
Lion King prequel shines new light on Scar's origins
The follow-up to 2019’s photorealistic remake deals with the sibling love between future rivals Mufasa and Scar
3 mins
Pianist Mao Fujita makes most of short pieces in delightful recital
The final piano recital of the calendar year, presented by Altenburg Arts, featured Berlin-based Japanese pianist Mao Fujita.
2 mins
Zakir Hussain was a peerless Indian tabla player
SAN FRANCISCO - Zakir Hussain, a peerless Indian tabla player who transcended genres and brought classical Indian music to a global audience, died on Dec 15. He was 73.
1 min
Xie Shaoguang to play wealthy but lonely tycoon in first drama in 20 years
Local actor Xie Shaoguang will be back with a new drama on the small screen after 20 years.
1 min
Oldest Miss France clinches crown, aged 34
PARIS - A 34-year-old flight attendant from the French Caribbean island of Martinique on Dec 14 became the oldest contestant to win the Miss France pageant.
1 min
Retired cop finds trove of unreleased songs by Michael Jackson
A retired California highway patrolman has stumbled into possession of a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson songs, which the world may never have a chance to hear.
1 min
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Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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