The Straits Times - December 31, 2024
The Straits Times - December 31, 2024
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In this issue
December 31, 2024
SingPost board outlines details of proceedings that led to sacking of CEO, 2 other top execs
Singapore Post on Dec 29 published a detailed account of the disciplinary proceedings leading to the sacking of three of its senior executives, saying the company's board of directors had ensured due diligence, and that the three had an opportunity to be heard before it made its decision.
5 mins
South Korea Orders Air Safety Probe After Country's Worst Crash
South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Dec 30 ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country's entire airline operation system, as investigators worked to find out what caused the country's deadliest air disaster and identify victims.
3 mins
Board to ensure sale of Australia freight business is completed
Singapore Post's board of directors will work with the company's existing management to ensure the sale of its Australia freight business is completed as planned.
2 mins
Falsified data confined to affected customer: SingPost
It responds to questions from investor group on whether it will conduct groupwide review
2 mins
2 other planes hit by landing gear issues in recent days
Besides the Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people in South Korea on Dec 29, two other planes have reportedly suffered landing gear malfunctions in recent days.
1 min
Jeju Air plane crash Cruel end to family holidays, honeymoon
Newly wed couple, family on first overseas trip with 3-year-old son among victims
2 mins
Lower-income families to get double the discount at FairPrice for 2 months
Chas blue, orange card holders to get 6% off every Thursday and Friday, respectively
2 mins
MSF Postpones Raising Age Limit for Youth Courts from Below 16 to Below 18
The roll-out of a law amendment that would allow older youth offenders to be tried in the Youth Courts has been postponed.
2 mins
Electricity, gas prices to fall in next quarter due to lower energy, fuel costs
Households here can look forward to smaller electricity and gas bills from January to March 2025 due to lower energy and fuel costs.
1 min
Over 950,000 Singaporean Households to Get U-Save, S&CC Rebates in January
More help in January
1 min
S. Korea's investigators seek arrest warrant for suspended Yoon
South Korean investigators have sought an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, an official said on Dec 30, the first time an incumbent president has faced such action.
1 min
Indonesia's Small Farmers Set To Play Role In Free Meal Plan
Govt taps decades-old social forestry scheme where local groups grow food on state land
4 mins
'Misuse' of Ozempic causing shortage in Malaysia
Demand soars amid global craze over use of diabetes medication for weight loss
3 mins
Three foreigners die in hotel fire in Bangkok's backpacker district
Three people from the United States, Brazil and Ukraine were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkok's popular backpacker district on the night of Dec 29, the authorities said, with seven others being treated in hospital.
1 min
Chinese youth jostle for 'iron rice bowl' jobs despite risk from slowing economy
A record 3.4 million young Chinese sat the civil service exam in 2024, lured by the prospect of lifetime job security and perks, including subsidised housing, as an economic slowdown batters the private sector and youth unemployment remains high.
3 mins
Carter's life is a testament to the power of service
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong joined world leaders and American politicians in reacting to news that former US president Jimmy Carter, who brokered peace between Israel and Egypt when he was in the White House, and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died at the age of 100.
4 mins
Jimmy Carter's foreign policy decisions were fateful for Asia
Beyond the Middle East, far-reaching developments during his term include the recognition of the government in Beijing in 1979
6 mins
Russia to End Pause on Medium-, Short-Range Missile Deployment
Russia will scrap a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles because the US has deployed such weapons in various regions around the world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Dec 29.
2 mins
Azerbaijani Leader Tells Russia to Admit Guilt Over Plane Crash
He Accuses Russia of Attempts to Cover Up Tragic Incident With 'Absurd' Reasons
3 mins
Taliban leader bans windows that overlook areas used by women
The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women and saying that existing ones should be blocked.
1 min
News analysis Israel struggles to halt attacks from faraway foe that was once off-radar
For years, the Houthis were the enemy most Israelis didn't know they had.
4 mins
Indians Replacing Palestinian Workers in Israel's Building Sector
High earnings a big draw; many unfazed by war in Gaza and surrounding area
3 mins
WHO chief urges end to Gaza hospital attacks after Israeli actions
The head of the World Health Organisation on Dec 30 called for an end to attacks on hospitals in Gaza after Israel struck one and raided another in the past few days.
1 min
A Fearful New Year in Temporary Homes After Japan Quake
One year after Ishikawa's deadly quake, rebuilding is slow and families still scattered
3 mins
Belgium Becomes First EU Country to Ban Disposable E-cigarettes
The time is up for disposable e-cigarettes, wildly popular with young people for their dizzying array of flavors including apple, watermelon and cola, in Belgium - the first EU country to ban them.
2 mins
Ex-husband convicted in French mass rape trial will not appeal: Lawyer
The Frenchman convicted of drugging and raping his then wife and soliciting dozens of men to do the same will not appeal against his verdict, his lawyer said on Dec. 30.
1 min
Kim lauds North Korea's new fish farm, calls for regional development
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has celebrated the completion of a new fish farm in the east coast and called for developing rural areas, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Dec 30, amid concerns over chronic economic challenges.
1 min
2024 Wrapped: The biggest tech stories of the year, and what's next
There was no shortage of innovation and disruptions in the technology sector in 2024.
6 mins
3 in 3 months: Flash floods could become more frequent
S'pore on 'La Nina watch' - rainy season lasting through January not likely to let up any time soon
3 mins
Bids Invited to Run 27 Public Bus Routes in Tampines from 2026
Public transport operators have been invited to submit bids to run 27 public bus routes under the Tampines bus package from 2026, with electric bus operations set to be a key factor in the evaluation process.
3 mins
Measures to spur use of commercial vehicles with cleaner energy extended
The Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES), which encourages the adoption of cleaner-energy light commercial vehicles in Singapore, will be extended by two years till March 31, 2027, with the incentive for electric vehicles in Band A staying at $15,000.
3 mins
Tougher laws to punish misuse of SIM cards come into effect on Jan 1
Tougher laws to police the use of SIM cards could see subscribers jailed for up to three years if the cards are used in a crime.
3 mins
Jail for voyeur tenant who preyed on female landlord and child
A long-time tenant has been handed a jail sentence after he abused the trust of his landlord by taking voyeuristic videos of the woman and her child when the girl was between three and four years old.
2 mins
Over 28 Years' Jail for Key 'Cog' in Drug Syndicate Who Laundered $1.27m
Singaporean coordinated supply of drugs into country by Malaysia-based syndicate
3 mins
Jail for man who cheated two of $32,000 with 'govt grants' ruse
A scammer cheated two people of more than $32,000 in total by duping the pair into believing he was helping them recruit staff and obtain government grants.
2 mins
S'pore stocks buck regional dips to close higher in thin trading
STI gains 0.6%, with all 3 local banks in positive territory • Sembcorp top STI performer; ThaiBev at bottom of table • In broader market, gainers beat losers 264 to 206
1 min
US Economy Defies Expectations to Post Solid Growth in 2024
Inflation, higher-for-longer rates, struggling sectors and consumers mar a good year
3 mins
Adani Group Plans $2b Exit From Joint Venture With Wilmar
Indian conglomerate Adani Group plans to exit its joint venture with Singapore-listed agribusiness group Wilmar International, both companies said on Dec 30.
1 min
Is tech industry already on the cusp of an AI slowdown?
Dr Demis Hassabis, one of the most influential artificial intelligence (AI) experts in the world, has a warning for the rest of the tech industry: Don't expect chatbots to continue to improve as quickly as they have over the past few years.
4 mins
Singapore Hotels' Average Room Rate Rises But Overall Takings Dip
Singapore hotels' average room rate (ARR) grew slightly to $273.11 in November, up 0.5 per cent from $271.71 in October, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) data showed on Dec 30.
2 mins
OCBC selling stake in Hong Kong Life Insurance for $103m
Singapore-listed lender OCBC Bank is selling its entire stake in loss-making insurer Hong Kong Life for HK$589.3 million (S$103 million).
1 min
Businesses in Singapore Hope for Simpler Tax Processes
They want less documentation, more readily available tax advising services
2 mins
Macau Sees Surge in Bond Listings in Pivot Away From Gambling
Macau is hosting a record amount of bond listings as the world's top gambling hub boosts efforts to diversify its economy and establish itself as an alternative financing hub for Chinese companies.
2 mins
Start-ups Can Expect Brighter 2025 After Prolonged Funding Winter
Industry Players See Buoyant Funding Landscape, Driven by Investments in Region
5 mins
BYD is taking over the world. It has just met its match
Chinese firms may face crippling tariffs when Trump is in the White House. They will have to find workarounds - like they did before.
5 mins
When the heat races ahead, sports enthusiasts need stronger safeguards to keep pace
The casualty rate at the StanChart marathon highlights the need for greater awareness and action – when competing in rising temperatures.
5 mins
A Breakthrough Year in Advancing Workers' Rights in Singapore
It's work in progress, but new labour legislation in 2024 to balance worker protections with economic realities marks a significant step.
5 mins
We need to think again about what the 'A' in AI signifies
Looking at the technology through a different cultural lens casts its threat and promise in a new light.
3 mins
Was 2024 a good year for you? Let's review your yardsticks...
You have limited time and energy. Think of what truly matters to you and focus on that to lead a more meaningful life.
4 mins
Charity • Practise safer giving through three key steps
We would like to thank writers Ang Ah Lay and Lee Yim May for their respective letters (Ensure that all-cash donations find their way to charity, Dec 24; and No donation? Volunteers happy to just share about the charity, Dec 25).
1 min
Food for thought on birthday celebrations, gift-giving in pre-schools
I am grateful that many childcare centres create a holistic environment of love and learning.
1 min
Football ● Commendable showing by Singapore men's team at Asean tournament
Our men's national football team performed commendably at the 2024 Asean Football Championship.
1 min
Weather ● Do more to guard against dangerous heat days
I read with alarm the article \"Singapore had 122 more dangerous heat days in 2024 due to climate change\" (Dec 28).
1 min
Hoping For An Unlikely Hero In Cup
Fernie backs Sentimental Hero's impromptu G2 Perth Cup berth
2 mins
Hat-Trick Propels Purton to 1,800-Win Milestone
Australian ace only second jockey to reach HK mark, now 13 wins shy of Whyte's record
4 mins
Have A Party to farewell the year on a winning note
Dec 31 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
2 mins
Doubles Debut Delight for Duo
Djokovic 'follows' partner's instructions on Kyrgios' return from 18-month injury layoff
3 mins
Wright stuff humbles darts champ Humphries
Defending champion Luke Humphries was knocked out of the PDC World Darts Championship as former winner Peter Wright secured a shock 4-1 last-16 win late on Dec 29 at Alexandra Palace in London.
2 mins
Swiatek 'happy she can play' on doping return
Iga Swiatek romped to an emphatic victory in her season-opening match at the United Cup on Dec 30, but Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed as Kazakhstan upset Greece to make the knockout rounds of the mixed-team tournament.
2 mins
Carlsen to return to tourney in jeans
Chess great Magnus Carlsen will return to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York, after initially quitting following governing body Fide's decision to bar him from a round for wearing jeans.
1 min
Committed King James: 40 and fit for the throne
National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar LeBron James celebrated his 40th birthday on Dec 30, the milestone carrying him to yet another first in a league in which he has starred for more than two decades - with the clock still running.
2 mins
Pacers Expose Celtics' Defence
Boston Mindful They Have to Fix Weakness to Retain NBA Title as Haliburton Scores 31
3 mins
Spurs Confronting Their Destiny With Injuries
Tottenham Hotspur's injury crisis meant Ange Postecoglou was forced to field Radu Dragusin against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Dec 29, despite him struggling with an ankle knock.
2 mins
Dutch Master Slot's Artists Pass Muster
Reds on course for title after near-perfect 2024, 8 points clear and losing just once
3 mins
Juve's 2-2 draw with Fiorentina interrupted by abuse
Juventus and Fiorentina drew 2-2 on Dec 29 as the Serie A match was interrupted after seven minutes, following racist insults from the stands aimed at home striker Dusan Vlahovic.
2 mins
Lions Bring Back Belief But Still Need To Improve
The Lions' run to the Asean Championship semi-finals has reignited belief in the national team, said observers a day after Singapore's campaign was ended by Vietnam in the last four.
3 mins
Be Bold Against The Old
Ogura dares younger Lions to stop being 'too nice' and fight for playing time
4 mins
New destinations for the new year
Up-and-coming places include Yunnan, Okinawa, Saudi Arabia and Tanzania
1 min
Usher in New Year in Japan like a local
Eat traditional food, visit a shrine and see the Japanese imperial family
1 min
4 places that remind me why travel matters
The writer visited Zambia, Alaska, Sicily and Venice to venture beyond her comfort zone
6 mins
Taiwanese singer Vivian Hsu caught in Bukit Timah flash floods
Taiwanese singer-actress Vivian Hsu (right) was caught in the flash floods that occurred in Bukit Timah following an afternoon deluge across Singapore on Dec 29.
1 min
On social media
CLOSE SHAVES ON STAGE: Hong Kong \"Heavenly Kings\" Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok gave their fans a scare at their respective concerts on Dec 27.
1 min
Yuewen Music Festival Complaints abound, but K-pop stars lift spirits
Complaints about the inaugural three-day Yuewen Music Festival held at Sentosa's Siloso Beach did not abate on its second day on Dec 29, as irate attendees continued to lash out about inconveniences related to bad weather.
3 mins
Gal Gadot diagnosed with blood clot in brain during pregnancy
Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who gave birth to her fourth child earlier in 2024, revealed that she was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in her brain during the eighth month of the pregnancy in February.
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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