The Straits Times - December 17, 2024Add to Favorites

The Straits Times - December 17, 2024Add to Favorites

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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

New private home sales surge in Nov to highest since 2013

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.

Safe, orderly protests highlight nation's mature democracy

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

S. Korea ruling party in disarray, but split unlikely before election

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.

Up to 1,000 feared dead as cyclone hits French territory Mayotte

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

Perennial first foreign firm allowed to wholly own tertiary hospital in China

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.

Rare foreign-born CEO says Japan needs immigration to thrive

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).

S'porean man said to be part of crypto scam arrested in Thailand

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.

Taiwan receives first batch of US-made advanced battle tanks

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.

Anwar appoints Thaksin to advise Malaysia when it chairs Asean

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

Bangladesh to hold elections in late 2025 or early 2026

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.

Malaysian court orders Muhyiddin to pay $121k to ex-finance chief in defamation suit

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.

'Eyelash viper', leaf-nosed bat among new species found in Mekong

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

Assad denies planned exit from Syria, calls new leaders 'terrorists'

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.

Israeli PM, Trump discussed Gaza hostages and Syria

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.

Biden and Harris rally Democrats in rare joint appearance post-polls

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

Americans are less welcoming of immigrants without legal status: Poll

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

Hearing-impaired Normal (Tech) student secures spot in ITE aerospace course

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.

She scores at N levels, thanks to love of football, support from others

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

Bt Panjang LRT to resume full dual-loop service on Dec 30

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

China's sudden retail slowdown shows need to boost spending

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.

Ho Ching among 3 S'pore women on Forbes power list

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

Debit card for a 9-year-old? Some Singaporeans say yes

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).

Singapore businesses cautiously optimistic for Q1 2025

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.

AI agents - your virtual assistants who can bank, trade and shop for you

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.

Tech companies claim AI can recognise emotions, but the science doesn't stack up

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.

How I became a Taiji Auntie and took part in my first competition

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.

The life-changing benefits of taiji

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.

What Trump's industrial policy will look like

3 mins

Why China is losing interest in English

Learning the world’s lingua franca is no longer a priority for students or businessmen.

Why China is losing interest in English

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).

Corridor clutter • Multi-pronged approach to tackle issue

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.

Condos ● Outdoor play in common areas healthy for kids

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

ONE STRIPE KEEPS EARNING HIS SPURS ON GUINEAS DAY

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

DOUBLE DELIGHT AND IPOH DELIGHTS FOR WAYNE LIM

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

DONCIC HAS 'FUN GAME' IN NBA MARK

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.

Pricey training centers fuel latest 'arms race'

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

WINNER WALSH CRANKING UP TO 11

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.

'Golf nerds' Knapp and Patty top mixed pairs event

2 mins

BLUES NOT READY TO BE CHAMPS: MARESCA

Chelsea boss 'realistic' about title hopes despite going just two points behind Reds

BLUES NOT READY TO BE CHAMPS: MARESCA

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.

Saints boss Martin gets the chop after 5-0 rout by Spurs

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.

With Fergie time, we put things together: Amorim

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

NO NEED TO FEAR, OGURA TELLS LIONS

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.

Get behind Singapore, urges ex-coach Raddy

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

8 things to buy for frequent fliers

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.

South Korea's tourism, soft power gains at risk from extended political crisis

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

Find peace in Yogyakarta

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.

Spain probes 'misleading' holiday flat management firms

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.

Netflix action thriller conjures airport anxieties of 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

Lion King prequel shines new light on Scar's origins

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.

Pianist Mao Fujita makes most of short pieces in delightful recital

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.

Zakir Hussain was a peerless Indian tabla player

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.

Xie Shaoguang to play wealthy but lonely tycoon in first drama in 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.

Oldest Miss France clinches crown, aged 34

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.

Retired cop finds trove of unreleased songs by Michael Jackson

1 min

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