The Straits Times - January 10, 2025
The Straits Times - January 10, 2025
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In this issue
January 10, 2025
Hollywood Hills burns as Los Angeles is engulfed by 'the big one'
The Hollywood Hills blazed uncontrollably on Jan 9 morning as the worst wildfires in the history of Los Angeles raged across the city and deep into the storied heartland of the American film industry.
3 mins
3 Singaporean Men Detained Under ISA After Becoming Self-Radicalised
They Were Affected by Israel-Hamas Conflict and Wanted to Join Armed Militant Groups
5 mins
Price freeze on some seafood, pork, vegetables at FairPrice through CNY period
The prices of 15 popular seafood, pork and vegetable items sold at FairPrice outlets islandwide will be frozen, starting from Jan 9 through the Chinese New Year period.
2 mins
Over 3,800 illegal gambling sites, $37m worth of such transactions blocked
No plans to let families request blocking of problem gamblers' bank accounts: Minister
1 min
'LIKE A WAR ZONE'
When gas canisters in his neighbors' homes began exploding under the heat of the flames, Mr. Kevin Williams knew it was time to run.
2 mins
Wearable tech promises medical-grade data, but experts advise caution
Wearable devices have come a long way from counting steps or heartbeats, with new tech offering the ability to track blood oxygenation, glucose levels and blood pressure, though its reliability remains a matter of debate.
2 mins
Republic Poly's talent scheme with biopharma firms better prepares students for jobs
From April, nearly 360 Republic Polytechnic (RP) students will get an early edge for jobs in the biopharmaceutical sector through a new talent programme.
3 mins
Johor Set for $38b Economic Boost from JS-SEZ by 2030
Southern state expected to rival Klang Valley as Malaysia's economic engine
3 mins
Annual disaster damage bill soars to $439b fuelled by climate change
Report says weather catastrophes worsened by global warming caused 93% of losses
3 mins
Focus shifts to Tibet earthquake survivors as search ends
The authorities moved more than 46,000 people in earthquake-hit Tibet to shelters in a massive rescue operation at the foot of the Himalayas as they wound down the search in a high-altitude environment where the odds of survival were always slim.
2 mins
Scientists Find Antarctic Sea Ice Rebounding From Record Lows
Antarctic sea ice rebounded in December after a long period of record lows, US scientists said, giving pause to speculation that Earth's frozen continent could be undergoing a permanent change.
1 min
Yakuza leader admits trafficking nuclear materials from Myanmar
A member of the Japanese yakuza criminal underworld pleaded guilty to handling nuclear material sourced from Myanmar and seeking to sell it to fund an illicit arms deal, the US authorities said on Jan 8.
2 mins
China discovers cluster of new mpox strain
The Chinese health authorities said on Jan 9 they had detected the new mutated mpox strain clade Ib as the viral infection spreads to more countries after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global public health emergency in 2023.
1 min
Yoon Will Accept Court Decision Even If It Ends Term, Says Lawyer
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will accept the decision of the Constitutional Court that is trying Parliament's impeachment case against him, even if it decides to remove the suspended leader from office, his lawyer said on Jan 9.
2 mins
Myanmar Military Adopts Drone Tactics Used by Anti-Junta Fighters
Flying at 1,500m or higher, the devices are out of reach of rebels' jammers
3 mins
TikTok Is Facing Legal Backlash Around The World
In recent years, the app has seen outright or partial bans in at least 20 countries
4 mins
Degrees of danger
South-east Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to rising temperatures caused by climate change and rapid urbanisation. What will it take to heat-proof the region? Experts at the First Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) South-east Asia Heat Health Forum discuss how human health, well-being and livelihoods in the region can be protected in a warming world. SHABANA BEGUM and CHIN HUI SHAN look at key issues raised at the Jan 7 to 10 Forum, organised by the GHHIN South-east Asia Hub based at the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
3 mins
Mourners defy the cold to honor former US president Jimmy Carter
They came amid the ice and snow, bundled in parkas and long johns, expecting an hours-long wait in the sub-freezing temperatures and whipping winds.
3 mins
Washington says it has no plans to increase its military presence in Greenland
The United States has no current plans to increase its military presence in Greenland, the US embassy in Copenhagen said on Jan 9, after President-elect Donald Trump expressed renewed interest in acquiring the vast Arctic island.
2 mins
Use of force in Panama, Greenland will impact US more than China
Analysts cite damage to Western values, international ties after Trump's threats
4 mins
Fear of spike in hate speech as Meta lifts curbs on user discourse
Move seen as 'green light' for users to attack marginalised sectors, say advocacy groups
2 mins
Musk Held Talks on Removing British PM Before Next Polls: Report
US billionaire Elon Musk has held private discussions with allies about removing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer from his position before the next general election, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Jan 9.
1 min
Pope Calls Situation in Gaza 'Shameful,' Slams Bombing of Civilians
Pope Francis on Jan. 9 stepped up his recent criticisms of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave \"very serious and shameful.\"
1 min
US to give Kyiv more military aid worth $684m, says Blinken
The United States will provide Ukraine with an additional US$500 million (S$684 million) in military aid, including air defence missiles, air-to-ground munitions and support equipment for F-16 fighter jets, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Jan 9.
2 mins
Over 12,300 civilians killed since start of Ukraine war, says UN
More than 12,300 civilians have been killed in the Ukraine war since Russia invaded nearly three years ago, a UN official told a UN meeting on Jan 8, noting a spike in casualties due to the use of drones, long-range missiles and glide bombs.
1 min
Gaza ceasefire mediators making progress, but no deal yet
As talks continue, Israeli strikes kill 17, including father and his 3 children
2 mins
Ngee Ann Poly students can go on 'fast track' for bachelor's degree
NUS and SMU latest local universities to tie up with poly under programme
3 mins
AI Diploma, Varsity Tie-Ups and More - Five Polytechnics Roll Out New Offerings
Polytechnics have been buzzing with excitement, hosting their open houses to give prospective students a look at the options in their post-secondary educational journey.
4 mins
120 Secondary Schools Now Offer Full Subject-Based Banding
Roll-out of scheme allowing students to take subjects at a more demanding level complete
3 mins
Three dead in Hougang flat fire; 30 residents evacuated
Firefighters faced challenges making forced entry due to excessive number of items inside
2 mins
Businessman suing media veterans questions authenticity of share transfer
Before he joined his new employer Mediacorp, Chinese news veteran Chua Chim Kang signed an agreement to transfer his shares in an education company to his business partner, Ms Lee Kuan Fung.
3 mins
PUB warns of flash flood risk due to monsoon surge
Flash floods may occur between Jan 10 and Jan 13, when a monsoon surge is forecast to hit Singapore.
1 min
Caregiving boundary guidelines not meant to be prescriptive for all
They are for professionals in child protection system working with at-risk families: Masagos
3 mins
Pedestrian-friendly streets ready in Taman Jurong and Choa Chu Kang
Two road-repurposing projects to create pedestrian-friendly streets in Taman Jurong and Choa Chu Kang have been completed.
1 min
About 80 wanted people on Interpol Red Notice list have ties to S'pore
About 80 wanted people on the Interpol Red Notice list have ties to Singapore, including about 40 who are Singaporeans.
2 mins
S'pore shares fall on signs of Fed's tight rein on rate cuts
• STI slips 0.6%, with losers beating gainers 281 to 222 • YZJ Shipbuilding tops local index; Genting finishes last • ASX 200 snaps winning streak as most regional bourses fall
1 min
Biden to further limit US AI chip exports days before leaving office
Move that targets China, Russia could curb spread of AI tech amid rising global demand
3 mins
China's consumer prices weaken further, adding to deflation worries
Officials led by President Xi Jinping in December made boosting consumption and domestic demand the top priority in 2025, for only the second time in at least a decade. They have pledged to use greater public borrowing and spending as well as monetary easing to spur growth in 2025.
3 mins
Design AI and Tech Competition Offers Finalists Access to VC Firm's Network
Innovators from enterprises big and small, get ready to rally.
2 mins
Investment Banks Expect More M&A, Fund-Raising Activities in Region
But experts say interest rates and market uncertainty may affect deal-making volume
3 mins
Apple's $1.37b plan not enough to lift Indonesia's iPhone 16 sale ban
Indonesia kept a ban on the sale of Apple's iPhone 16s, saying its US$1 billion (S$1.37 billion) plan that includes building an AirTag factory is insufficient to meet local investment requirements.
1 min
Tycoon Gordon Tang and wife raise their offer for Suntec Reit to $1.19 per unit
Property tycoon Gordon Tang and his wife Celine, through their vehicle Aelios, have increased their cash offer for Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust (Reit) to $1.19 per unit, from $1.16 previously.
1 min
Shanghai Kicks Off Plan to Allow Foreign-Owned Hospitals
Shanghai has kicked off a plan to allow the establishment in China of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in key economic zones, biopharmaceutical areas and downtown districts that are home to many expatriate residents.
1 min
Certain sectors, stocks could benefit from the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone
Singapore and Malaysia have established a new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) that will drive investments in key sectors.
2 mins
S'pore bank stocks hit new highs, fuelled by rate, profit expectations
Investors bet on interest rates staying higher for longer and strong Q4 earnings
1 min
One country that could avoid the worst of Trump 2.0 tariffs? Vietnam
Hanoi's diplomatic skills and the private interests of Trump and Musk in the country may shield it from the worst of the President-elect's threats.
7 mins
Would You Want to Live On as an AI Chatbot After You Die?
How technology is redefining death, memory and immortality.
4 mins
Mental health is now on the national agenda - let's cut to the chase
Talk therapists need to be regulated and we should avoid over-medicalising mental health.
5 mins
Alcohol-Free Booze Is Becoming Big Business
But will it ever be as good?
3 mins
Car companies have an infuriating software problem
Managing smooth updates becoming ever more important with spread of EVs and more sophisticated systems.
3 mins
Why the H-1B Visa Backlash Is a Wake-Up Call for the Indian Diaspora
The new political climate sweeping the West suggests they will be as much a target for populists and ethno-nationalists as other immigrant communities.
3 mins
Chinese New Year ● Make time to visit elderly loved ones
I have observed that in recent years, home visits during the Chinese New Year have become less common due to technology.
1 min
Public spaces ● Give children room to learn from mistakes
I refer to the letter \"Children should be well-behaved in public\" (Jan 1).
1 min
Spruce up Singapore to welcome SG60
I hope Budget 2025 will allocate more funds to enhance the cleanliness of our public spaces, ensuring Singapore remains a home where we can live, work and play.
1 min
S'pore-Malaysia relations ● Let special ties continue to flourish
I refer to the recent news report about the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat in Putrajaya.
1 min
OUZO EYES LORD NORTH REPEAT
Dubai Racing Carnival rolls on as UK raider returns for another shot at Meydan glory
2 mins
SUPER SALUTE BACK IN BUSINESS
Three-time Singapore Group winner bids to resurrect flagging racing career in Malaysia
3 mins
Obiri targets hat-trick at Boston Marathon
Kenyan Hellen Obiri will pursue a third straight Boston Marathon title in April, the Boston Athletic Association said on Jan 8, while Ethiopian Sisay Lemma will defend his title in a speedy men's field.
2 mins
BATTLE OF THE BEST DECIDED BY 'EFFORT'
Allen hails his partnership with Mobley and Cavs' approach in close win over Thunder
3 mins
Saudis and UFC owner near deal on new boxing league
In the days after Donald Trump was re-elected US President, one of his most high-profile stops was at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at New York City's Madison Square Garden.
2 mins
'Iron Lady' Hosszu, swimming's first millionaire, retires at 35
Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszu, a triple Olympic gold medalist, announced she was quitting the sport on Jan 8.
2 mins
Twin joy for Hojgaard after invite for April's Masters
Dane Nicolai Hojgaard and Chilean Joaquin Niemann have accepted special invitations into the 2025 US Masters field, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced on Jan 8.
2 mins
U.S. WITHHOLDS WADA DUES, URGES REFORMS
It responded by removing the U.S., its single largest country funder, from a board role
2 mins
Alcaraz staring at Grand Slam history at Melbourne Park
There is little doubt Carlos Alcaraz is one of the brightest stars of his generation with Grand Slam success on all three surfaces, and the Spaniard will arrive at the Australian Open looking to conquer the final frontier of his young career.
2 mins
SINNER'S HARD START, DJOKOVIC'S HARD DRAW
Italian faces Jarry in Australian Open 1st rd, with Serb on course to meet Alcaraz, Zverev
3 mins
'Novak can vent all he wants, as long as he gives his all'
Novak Djokovic's former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray does not want the Serb to suppress his emotions on court, and is even willing to be the target of any angry outbursts, as long as the 24-time Major winner gives his all at the Australian Open.
2 mins
REFEREE'S CALL CHANGED GAME, FUMES SLOT
Reds boss feels Bergvall should've been sent off, instead of staying on to get the winner
3 mins
'Right decision' on duo lifts Barca before semi win
Barcelona received a massive boost before their Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao on Jan 8, with news that Dani Olmo and Pau Victor can play in the final, to the delight of Hansi Flick and his team.
2 mins
We all have point to prove: Potter
West Ham United's new boss Graham Potter said he has become a better manager following his ill-fated stint at Chelsea, who sacked him in April 2023.
1 min
XINGTONG BEATS NERVES
Teen qualifies for 2nd HSBC Women's World Championship, targets under-par round
3 mins
Emaviwe takes on new challenge with Chiangrai
At the start of the 2024 football season, Jordan Emaviwe outlined three key objectives for his campaign: To establish himself as a regular starter for Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Premier League, secure a national team call-up, and earn a spot in the Lions squad for the Asean Championship.
2 mins
Sammo Hung celebrates turning 73 with grandsons
Hong Kong action star and filmmaker Sammo Hung spent his 73rd birthday on Jan 7 with his two grandsons.
1 min
Wicked tops SAG Awards nominations
Hit musical Wicked topped the nominations on Jan 8 for the influential Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, which are key to Oscars glory, while Golden Globes darling The Brutalist received only one nod and Maria star Angelina Jolie was shut out.
2 mins
Model for Shrek's Donkey dies at age 30
Perry, a miniature donkey whose handlers said was used by DreamWorks animators as a model for the chatty Shrek (2001 to present) character named Donkey, died last week at the age of 30.
1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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