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In this issue

January 18, 2025

Gaza truce, exchange of hostages for prisoners to begin on Jan 19

Israel's security Cabinet recommends approving deal

Gaza truce, exchange of hostages for prisoners to begin on Jan 19

2 mins

PM Wong: S'pore welcomes Gaza ceasefire deal, hopes it will be fully implemented

The announcement of the ceasefire and hostage return agreement between Hamas and Israel is welcomed by Singapore, with the hope that it would be carried out fully, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

1 min

BYD tops 2024 new car sales in S'pore, first for a Chinese EV brand

China's BYD was the best-selling car brand in Singapore in 2024, with 6,191 units registered, beating out Japan's Toyota and Germany's BMW.

3 mins

BYD tops 2024 new car sales in Singapore, first for a Chinese EV brand

Israel's security Cabinet recommends approving deal

BYD tops 2024 new car sales in Singapore, first for a Chinese EV brand

1 min

Rail Corridor's community spaces

Three new community nodes will be added to the Rail Corridor from 2027, at Stagmont Ring, the Queensway viaduct and the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

Rail Corridor's community spaces

1 min

New Rail Corridor Community Nodes in Queensway, Stagmont Ring

The one in Queensway, to be ready in 2027, could include heritage gallery and garden

4 mins

Dip in market share of parallel imports

The market share of parallel-imported cars in Singapore fell to 12.1 per cent in 2024 from 21.2 per cent in 2023, due to several factors including a steeper tax rate on luxury vehicles.

Dip in market share of parallel imports

1 min

Investigators File Request to Extend Yoon's Detention

Request Made Due to 'Gravity of the Crime,' as President Again Refuses to Be Questioned

3 mins

President's supporters fuel wild speculation of Chinese influence in political crisis

In a strange twist to the political saga that continues to unfold in South Korea, some ruling party lawmakers and supporters of beleaguered President Yoon Suk Yeol are blaming Chinese influence for his impeachment.

President's supporters fuel wild speculation of Chinese influence in political crisis

3 mins

Singapore entities to work with Odisha on skills training, green energy

Eight agreements inked to boost academic ties, help build state's infrastructure

Singapore entities to work with Odisha on skills training, green energy

3 mins

Chinese V-P's presence at Trump's inauguration may not matter much

China's decision to send Vice-President Han Zheng for Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington next week appears to be a positive diplomatic signal, as it is a higher level of representation than usual.

Chinese V-P's presence at Trump's inauguration may not matter much

3 mins

China Meets Growth Target in 2024, But Uncertainties Loom

Trade tensions could hurt exports — a key economic driver — in 2025, say analysts

China Meets Growth Target in 2024, But Uncertainties Loom

3 mins

China's Population Falls for Third Consecutive Year

China's population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, with the number of deaths outpacing a slight increase in births, and experts cautioning that the downturn will worsen in the coming years.

2 mins

No plan to raise tourist fees for hotel stays: Penang Chief Minister

Penang's Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has denied claims that his administration intends to raise the \"local government fee\" (LGF), effectively collecting more money from tourists staying in hotels.

No plan to raise tourist fees for hotel stays: Penang Chief Minister

2 mins

Can Taiwan's third political force remake itself?

'Outsider' Huang Kuo-chang faces uphill battle as he charts path of survival for TPP

Can Taiwan's third political force remake itself?

4 mins

Thailand stepping up security in bid to reassure Chinese tourists

Thailand is stepping up security for tourists to restore the confidence of Chinese visitors, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Jan 17 after an alleged kidnapping of a Chinese actor sparked concerns about the safety of travelers.

Thailand stepping up security in bid to reassure Chinese tourists

1 min

Malaysian Police Add BMI as Gauge for Promotions

Tougher fitness standards needed with growing number of overweight officers

2 mins

British PM Starmer vows to put Ukraine in 'strongest position' against Russia

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Jan 16 he would give Ukraine the support it needed to put it in the strongest position to fight Russia in 2025.

British PM Starmer vows to put Ukraine in 'strongest position' against Russia

2 mins

Pakistan's Imran Khan gets 14 years' jail in land-graft case

Verdict is a setback to reconciliation talks between his party and the government

Pakistan's Imran Khan gets 14 years' jail in land-graft case

2 mins

Feathers, blood found in both engines of crashed Jeju Air jet: Source

Investigators found bird feathers and blood in both engines of the Jeju Air jet that crashed in South Korea in December 2024, killing 179 people, a person familiar with the probe told Reuters on Jan 17.

1 min

Kyiv Makes Ground Assaults With Just Machines

The boxy, machine gun-equipped vehicle lumbered across the snow-covered battlefield, with no crew aboard and marking what its remote Ukrainian operators described as a major milestone as Russian artillery fire rained around it.

1 min

Trump Says He Had Good Chat With Xi On Trade, TikTok

Solving Problems Together

2 mins

Crypto Expected To Be Policy Priority Under New Govt

US President-elect Donald Trump is planning to release an executive order elevating crypto as a policy priority and giving industry insiders a voice within his administration, according to people familiar with the plans.

2 mins

US Supreme Court Upholds Law Banning TikTok

Judges Affirm Earlier Ruling in Case That Pit Free Speech Rights Against Security Concerns

3 mins

Americans braced for potentially life-threatening cold snap

Americans were bracing themselves on Jan 16 for frigid temperatures that forecasters said could produce life-threatening conditions, with Donald Trump's inauguration expected to be the coldest in 40 years.

Americans braced for potentially life-threatening cold snap

2 mins

Americans braced for potentially life-threatening cold snap

Americans were bracing themselves on Jan 16 for frigid temperatures that forecasters said could produce life-threatening conditions, with Donald Trump's inauguration expected to be the coldest in 40 years.

Americans braced for potentially life-threatening cold snap

2 mins

Prosecutions driven by justice, not politics: Outgoing US A-G

US Attorney-General Merrick Garland defended the Justice Department on Jan. 16 against what he called unfounded attacks and said prosecutions under his leadership were driven by \"justice, not politics.\"

1 min

Will Trump's return be Biden's legacy?

The Democrat's term will be defined by fateful decision to run for re-election

Will Trump's return be Biden's legacy?

3 mins

119-Year-Old Brazilian Woman Stakes Claim as World's Oldest Person

Documents show that Mrs. Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva was born on March 10, 1905. PHOTO: REUTERS

119-Year-Old Brazilian Woman Stakes Claim as World's Oldest Person

2 mins

LA evacuees told to stay away from home for at least 1 more week

Emergency responders removing toxic waste from incinerated neighborhoods as landslides cause more stress

LA evacuees told to stay away from home for at least 1 more week

4 mins

Anger rises over 78 deaths in police siege at South African mine

South African rescuers ended their attempts on Jan 16 to find anyone left in an illegal gold mine where at least 78 people died during a police siege, as a local volunteer described the horror of extracting their bodies from deep underground.

3 mins

Girl who lost finger in hand dryer incident gets $170k in damages

Family finds closure after court approval of lawsuit settlement with Ion Orchard

Girl who lost finger in hand dryer incident gets $170k in damages

4 mins

Arts and heritage events will delve into S'pore history to mark SG60

New museum exhibitions and art in public spaces will be put up as part of a series of events to mark Singapore's 60th year of independence, inviting Singaporeans to reflect on its history and identity.

Arts and heritage events will delve into S'pore history to mark SG60

2 mins

Wetter and warmer

A warmer, wetter climate influences the Aedes aegypti mosquito's life cycle, increasing its rate of successful reproduction. Climate change also allows the mosquito, a dengue vector, to inhabit environments at higher altitudes and latitudes for longer periods of the year. AEDES AEGYPTI MOSQUITO

Wetter and warmer

5 mins

Second monsoon surge forecast to be shorter, less intense

More flash flooding could occur in coastal areas with higher tides expected this time

Second monsoon surge forecast to be shorter, less intense

4 mins

How can motorists stay safe on the road during a monsoon surge?

A second monsoon surge was expected to hit Singapore from Jan 17 to 19, after one battered the Republic with heavy downpours and floods just days earlier.

How can motorists stay safe on the road during a monsoon surge?

4 mins

Extended hours for transport on CNY Eve

Those planning to stay out late on Jan 28, the eve of Chinese New Year, will have more transport options, with SBS Transit offering later services on selected MRT lines and bus routes.

1 min

3 Men Charged Over Links to Unlawful Use of ICA E-service

They are accused of misusing computer system in case tied to changes of addresses

3 mins

S'pore shares end week in the black on strong export figures

• STI up 0.3%; gainers pip losers 271 to 183 in wider market • Sembcorp Industries tops benchmark index on 1.3% rise • Markets in Japan and S. Korea dip; HK and Malaysia see gains

1 min

Slide in China's new home prices halted for first time in 18 months

China's new home prices stopped falling month on month in December for the first time in 18 months, official data on Jan 17 showed, after the government rolled out multiple rounds of stimulus to lift the property sector from a prolonged slump.

Slide in China's new home prices halted for first time in 18 months

1 min

Almost $27 billion pulled from US sustainable funds in 2024

US fund managers trying to sell environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies just had their worst year ever.

2 mins

China to Probe Charges of US Chip Dumping, Unfair Grants

Move prompted by protests from local industry players upset over US Chips Act

2 mins

BP to cut 4,700 jobs and 3,000 contractor roles to reduce costs

BP is eliminating 4,700 positions, about 5 per cent of its workforce, and more than 3,000 contractor jobs, chief executive Murray Auchincloss told staff on Jan 16 as the London-based energy giant seeks to reduce costs.

2 mins

Polys and ITE to help SMEs with AI-powered solutions to problems

To see if a firm's employees would fall victim to scam calls, cyber-security officers can upload the phone numbers of their co-workers onto an app and track how they respond.

Polys and ITE to help SMEs with AI-powered solutions to problems

2 mins

AI, workers can together enhance Singapore as global hub

Human abilities form the backbone of a thriving manufacturing sector: Alvin Tan

2 mins

Marco Polo Marine says wage jump in line with expansion plans

Marine logistics company Marco Polo Marine said the increase in its wages, salaries and bonuses in financial year 2024 is \"in line with the expansion plans\" that the group took in recent years.

2 mins

Pet care leave: New perk for pawrents at some S'pore firms

Staff get time off for tending to sick pets, animal adoption and bereavement

Pet care leave: New perk for pawrents at some S'pore firms

4 mins

CDL divests more than $600m of assets in 2024

City Developments Limited (CDL) achieved total divestments of more than $600 million in 2024 as part of its capital recycling initiative, the real estate company said in a bourse filing on Jan 16.

1 min

Malaysia's GDP growth slows in last quarter of 2024; shows risks ahead

Malaysia's economy expanded at a slower clip in the fourth quarter of 2024, signaling a challenging road ahead as the trade-reliant nation contends with heightened global risks.

Malaysia's GDP growth slows in last quarter of 2024; shows risks ahead

1 min

Singapore's December exports beat forecasts with 9% rise

Growth extends from previous month's 3.4%, but threat of Trump tariffs looms

Singapore's December exports beat forecasts with 9% rise

3 mins

Facing a flood of Chinese goods and Trump's tariffs, what can Asean do?

Asean will be dragged into the escalating US-China trade war and its members should respond collectively.

4 mins

Time to Respect Snakes Every Year

Spare a thought for these graceful, misunderstood and mistreated creatures as we celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Time to Respect Snakes Every Year

3 mins

Is the US poised to become an oligarchy?

In Aristotelian terms, the defining feature of an oligarchy is a ruling elite blatantly using its status for its own personal gain.

4 mins

Mark Zuckerberg Is Taking Meta Back to Its Roots — and the World Backwards

The hands-off approach to social media content to appease the far right is a short-term bet on Maga that could eventually backfire.

Mark Zuckerberg Is Taking Meta Back to Its Roots — and the World Backwards

6 mins

China's Grand Canal Plans

Construction of the Pinglu Canal, the first major waterway to be built in China since 1949, is under way in Guangxi region. Officials hope that the canal will boost exports from south-western China and be a blueprint for other canal projects. But are such projects likely to inject new life into the economy or construction for construction's sake?

China's Grand Canal Plans

8 mins

Making mega waterways

China's canal projects

1 min

Mega canal that might kick-start China's third infrastructure boom

FROM B5

Mega canal that might kick-start China's third infrastructure boom

2 mins

Singapore Parata and Merlion: Much fondness for the Republic in Trichy

Tamil people from Trichy and its surrounding region came to the Republic during the 19th century to work as labourers and traders. They continue to immigrate to Singapore in pursuit of a better future.

Singapore Parata and Merlion: Much fondness for the Republic in Trichy

6 mins

Berry Honours Late Brother

O'Ole hands Sydney jockey, trainer Baker emotional Magic Millions 2YO Classic win

Berry Honours Late Brother

2 mins

Almond Sea Has Big Say If She Jumps On Terms

RACE 1 (1,000M) (1) CAPTAIN JON SNOW was very green on debut but stayed on strongly. Should improve from that run and will go very close.

6 mins

Galaxy Patch To Claim Cup Win

Jan 19 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis

Galaxy Patch To Claim Cup Win

5 mins

Everything clicks for The Amex leader Poston

J.T. Poston had \"one of those good days\", as he fired a 10-under 62 to grab a one-shot lead after the opening round of the PGA Tour's American Express tournament in the California desert on Jan 16.

Everything clicks for The Amex leader Poston

2 mins

New LIV chief O'Neil gets McIlroy's backing

The war of words between Greg Norman and Rory McIlroy is as good as done.

2 mins

L.A. Spirit to 'Shine' During 2028 Games

Governor, organizers insist Los Angeles will be ready to host Olympics despite wildfires

L.A. Spirit to 'Shine' During 2028 Games

3 mins

Gauff Yet To Huff And Puff

American eases past Fernandez to win her 16th successive set of 2025 season

Gauff Yet To Huff And Puff

2 mins

Fonseca exits as a winner and a fillip for men's game

Endless queues outside Melbourne Park's 1573 Arena on a sunny Jan 16 afternoon gave casual fans the impression that a Grand Slam champion was in action, but a quick peek inside revealed the carnival atmosphere and explained the interest.

2 mins

How does it feel to play Alcaraz? A rival explains

\"I feel like I got no air to breathe.\"

How does it feel to play Alcaraz? A rival explains

3 mins

Amorim Cautious With Diallo Praise

United boss wants to help 'kids' keep focus but team's poor showing is his bigger issue

Amorim Cautious With Diallo Praise

2 mins

Threat of points deduction makes EPL clubs sweat

An air of desperation hung over a handful of English Premier League clubs last summer.

Threat of points deduction makes EPL clubs sweat

3 mins

Shai stays grounded as Thunder pass test against NBA's best

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder avenged last week's defeat by the Cleveland Cavaliers with a crushing 134-114 victory over their league-leading National Basketball Association (NBA) rivals on Jan 16.

Shai stays grounded as Thunder pass test against NBA's best

2 mins

Reds Have Eyes Only On Next Match

Manager Slot and his league leaders focused on preparations, not on EPL chasing pack

Reds Have Eyes Only On Next Match

3 mins

Villa Won't Be Easy Target for Gunners: Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had said that his side are now English Premier League title contenders, but first he must find a way to get past a \"difficult\" Aston Villa in their home clash on Jan 18.

Villa Won't Be Easy Target for Gunners: Arteta

2 mins

Winning's Not Everything

Kids need to fall in love with football, says FAS' head of coach education

Winning's Not Everything

3 mins

Loh Needs Top Sparring Partners, Says Legend Wong

Singapore's badminton aces Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min need just one last piece of the jigsaw to be competitive at the top of their sport.

Loh Needs Top Sparring Partners, Says Legend Wong

3 mins

SPAS TO FIGHT FESTIVE FATIGUE

In just a few short weeks, families in Singapore who decked the halls with Christmas finery had to swop faux fir trees for auspicious Chinese New Year kumquat potted s trees.

SPAS TO FIGHT FESTIVE FATIGUE

10+ mins

The Fullerton Spa: Facials and Other Festive Treats

The Fullerton Spa at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore offers a menu of treatments designed to harmonise body and mind, tailored for shoppers trying to balance Chinese New Year preparations with the need for self-care.

The Fullerton Spa: Facials and Other Festive Treats

1 min

Embracing the simple life

The owners of this HDB flat wanted a fuss-free space for two

Embracing the simple life

1 min

Goh Beng Kwan gets festive with hongbao-inspired art

The pioneer artist has teamed up with furniture brand Commune to stage his latest showcase

Goh Beng Kwan gets festive with hongbao-inspired art

3 mins

BYD Makes Great Leap Forward With Sealion 7

The electric vehicle from the Chinese carmaker feels spacious and luxurious, with an attractive price tag to boot

BYD Makes Great Leap Forward With Sealion 7

4 mins

BYD makes great leap forward with Sealion 7

The electric vehicle from the Chinese carmaker feels spacious and luxurious, with an attractive price tag to boot

BYD makes great leap forward with Sealion 7

4 mins

Neta Aya Shows How Difficult It Is To Get A Car Right

The Chinese electric vehicle gets some things right, but needs work on other areas for it to be taken seriously

Neta Aya Shows How Difficult It Is To Get A Car Right

3 mins

Torque Shop

When it comes to towing a vehicle, whether it is an internal combustion engine car or an electric vehicle (EV), is there a universal way?

2 mins

Eurokars Group Bets Big on MG

The motor dealer is rejuvenating the Chinese-owned brand with new products and showrooms here

Eurokars Group Bets Big on MG

3 mins

Young violinist Keila Wakao scores artistic triumph

The enduring popularity of music by 20th-century American composer Samuel Barber (1910-1981) rests on two works, and both were performed in re:Sound's first concert of 2025.

Young violinist Keila Wakao scores artistic triumph

2 mins

Haresh Sharma's Eclipse Presents Daring Take on Indian Partition

The playwright's rejection of the legacy of this seismic event takes things into refreshing territory

Haresh Sharma's Eclipse Presents Daring Take on Indian Partition

2 mins

I Am Seaweed gently probes rosy freelance life and mental health

The constant imperative to expand under pressure is gently questioned in 28-year-old Singaporean theatremaker Cheryl Ho's largely autobiographical 60-minute sketch.

I Am Seaweed gently probes rosy freelance life and mental health

1 min

Actress Kim Min-hee, 42, and director Hong Sang-soo, 64, expecting a child together

South Korean actress Kim Min-hee is expecting a child with auteur Hong Sang-soo, according to South Korean media reports on Jan 17.

Actress Kim Min-hee, 42, and director Hong Sang-soo, 64, expecting a child together

1 min

Singapore Biennale returns with theme of pure intention

The Singapore Biennale returns from Oct 31 to March 29, 2026 with the theme of pure intention.

Singapore Biennale returns with theme of pure intention

1 min

David Lynch ‘one of the most innovative film-makers of his generation’

Obituary

David Lynch ‘one of the most innovative film-makers of his generation’

3 mins

Japan's Fuji TV Probes Allegations Around Smap's Masahiro Nakai

Major network Fuji Television said on Jan 16 it was probing allegations involving one of Japan's biggest celebrities after an activist investor said it was outraged by the lack of transparency.

Japan's Fuji TV Probes Allegations Around Smap's Masahiro Nakai

1 min

BIG IDEAS FOR TINY HOMES

In the labyrinthine back streets of Tokyo stands an odd geometric structure that looks nothing like the houses surrounding it.

BIG IDEAS FOR TINY HOMES

3 mins

Designing smooth rides for Singaporeans

Drawn to problem-solving, this LTA scholar puts his technical skills to work for millions of commuters

Designing smooth rides for Singaporeans

1 min

Silicon Valley tech scholar innovates with purpose

Supported by IMDA's SG Digital Scholarship, he has leveraged his education and experience to develop impactful solutions

3 mins

New AI scholarship powers his ambitions

The NTU Turing AI scholar is already connecting with world-class experts through masterclasses while creating a space where fellow innovators can thrive

2 mins

Read all stories from The Straits Times

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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