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In this issue

January 15, 2025

Rule of law important, precious in troubled geopolitical climate: SM Lee

S'pore International Commercial Court well placed as hub to resolve disputes, he says

Rule of law important, precious in troubled geopolitical climate: SM Lee

4 mins

S'pore ● New high for rainfall in January

The recent downpours amid a monsoon surge in Singapore hit a new peak for rainfall in January.

1 min

Conversations with The Straits Times Year-long series of discussions kicks off with non-profit sector

Sessions aim to bring ST and its audiences closer, as it marks 180th year

Conversations with The Straits Times Year-long series of discussions kicks off with non-profit sector

3 mins

Faith in institutions will be lost without governance: Minister

The more countries do not deliver governance, the more people will lose faith in existing institutions, the judiciary and the rule of law.

Faith in institutions will be lost without governance: Minister

2 mins

More infrastructure investments needed to scale up Asean power grid: Panellists

The Asean power grid, which will allow countries in the region to trade electricity with one another, has made some headway with several recent agreements.

More infrastructure investments needed to scale up Asean power grid: Panellists

3 mins

Yoon's impeachment hearing cut short due to his absence

But judge says second hearing set for Jan 16 will proceed regardless of his attendance

Yoon's impeachment hearing cut short due to his absence

3 mins

News analysis US winning against China, says Biden as term nears end

But unresolved trade issues and ongoing global conflicts cast shadow on his legacy

News analysis US winning against China, says Biden as term nears end

4 mins

Qatar says Gaza truce and hostage release talks in 'final stages'

Key mediator Qatar said negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release deal were in their \"final stages\" on Jan 14, adding that it was hopeful an agreement could be reached \"very soon\".

Qatar says Gaza truce and hostage release talks in 'final stages'

3 mins

Mahathir Posts Teaser Video on Search for His Purported Billions

Another video of Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has gone viral, this time involving a \"search\" for his purported billions.

1 min

Johor-Singapore SEZ expected to boost Johor healthcare sector

Johor's healthcare industry is set to receive a significant boost following the signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement in January, said Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi, following his meeting with Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in Kota Iskandar on Jan 14.

Johor-Singapore SEZ expected to boost Johor healthcare sector

1 min

KL's bid for gag order over Najib's house arrest case sparks backlash

Malaysian politicians, experts question its purpose with issue already in public domain

KL's bid for gag order over Najib's house arrest case sparks backlash

3 mins

China Boosts Public Science Education Efforts Amid Tech Rivalry With US

Decades-old drive to educate grassroots on scientific issues set to gain from revised law

4 mins

Manila Says Beijing's 'Monster Ship' Sent to Intimidate Fishermen

The Philippines accused China on Jan 14 of intimidating its fishermen at a disputed South China Sea shoal and normalising an \"illegal presence\", after Beijing sent its largest coast guard vessel into Manila's maritime zone.

Manila Says Beijing's 'Monster Ship' Sent to Intimidate Fishermen

1 min

Chinese travellers shunning Thailand after actor's abduction

The recent high-profile kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Thailand has dented the country's appeal among tourists just weeks before China's biggest annual holiday.

Chinese travellers shunning Thailand after actor's abduction

3 mins

In Jakarta, home ownership is out of reach for many

Residents of city of 11 million forced to look farther afield as space shrinks, prices soar

In Jakarta, home ownership is out of reach for many

2 mins

Tourist hot spot Kyoto plans big hike in hotel taxes

The authorities in Kyoto announced on Jan 14 plans for a big hike in hotel lodging taxes, as Japan's ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.

2 mins

'It's like hell is here: S'poreans recount ordeals with deadly LA wildfires

One has set up a donation drive with a friend to help women displaced by the fires

'It's like hell is here: S'poreans recount ordeals with deadly LA wildfires

4 mins

Search for bodies under way with fierce winds set to return

Search teams with dogs fanned out looking for victims in Los Angeles on Jan 13, as firefighters girded for hurricane-force winds that could spark new blazes.

Search for bodies under way with fierce winds set to return

3 mins

PM Wong, SM Lee extend sympathies to those affected by wildfires in calls with V-P Harris

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong received separate phone calls from US Vice-President Kamala Harris on Jan 14.

1 min

Trump Would Have Been Convicted If He Had Not Been Elected: Report

Special Counsel Finds Trump Had Engaged in 'Unprecedented Criminal Effort'

Trump Would Have Been Convicted If He Had Not Been Elected: Report

2 mins

N. Korea's suicide soldiers pose new challenge for Ukraine in war

They're resorting to extreme measures as they support Russia in its war

N. Korea's suicide soldiers pose new challenge for Ukraine in war

3 mins

Nato seeks deal on new goals for arms, troops in mid-2025

Nato aims to bring forward a decision on new targets for weapons and troop numbers to this summer, a top military official said on Jan 13, referring to the alliance's biggest overhaul since the Cold War as it faces what it sees as a growing threat from Russia.

Nato seeks deal on new goals for arms, troops in mid-2025

2 mins

Pope Francis' autobiography, Hope, is rich in anecdotes

\"I like punctuality. It's a virtue I have learnt to appreciate,\" Pope Francis writes in the fifth chapter of his autobiography, published on Jan 14 in 18 languages, adding that he considers it \"a sign of good manners and respect, to arrive promptly\".

Pope Francis' autobiography, Hope, is rich in anecdotes

3 mins

10 Neighbourhoods To Be Made More Friendly For Pedestrians, Cyclists

Works on Friendly Streets initiative to start in first half of 2025 and likely end in 2026

10 Neighbourhoods To Be Made More Friendly For Pedestrians, Cyclists

2 mins

Highest-ever January rainfall in Singapore recorded on Pulau Tekong

The recent downpours amid a monsoon surge in Singapore hit a new peak for rainfall, with the heaviest-ever showers to fall in January recorded on Pulau Tekong on Jan 10.

2 mins

Queues for crisp banknotes do justice to the zodiac sign

Long queues befitting the upcoming zodiac Year of the Snake formed at ATMs islandwide on Jan 14 as office workers and seniors alike arrived to withdraw \"hongbao notes\" on the first day of issue.

Queues for crisp banknotes do justice to the zodiac sign

2 mins

7 arrested for allegedly using ICA e-service to illegally change others' addresses

Seven people have been arrested for allegedly using the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's (ICA) e-service to illegally change other people's registered home addresses.

3 mins

Police Work With Retailers To Prevent Shoplifting During Festive Period

Shop theft cases up by 178 in first half of 2024, compared with same period in 2023

Police Work With Retailers To Prevent Shoplifting During Festive Period

3 mins

Judge dismisses defamation suit by former president of country club

Club member had called him a coward, but defence of justification was established

3 mins

Burst pipe cuts water supply to Phoenix Park office campus

A water pipe that burst recently in the Phoenix Park office campus has cut off the water supply for offices and businesses there.

Burst pipe cuts water supply to Phoenix Park office campus

2 mins

Singapore shares in the red as regional markets end mixed

• STI falls 0.1%; advancers beat decliners 278 to 226 • Yangzijiang Shipbuilding most actively traded, rising 4.1% • Hang Seng and Kospi gain; Nikkei and KLCI decline

1 min

Crypto firm Tether and its founders moving to El Salvador

Cryptocurrency firm Tether plans to move its headquarters to El Salvador, its chief executive said, as the founders of the world's biggest stablecoin look to capitalize on the Central American country's bid to become a hub for crypto trading.

Crypto firm Tether and its founders moving to El Salvador

2 mins

Investment chief at GIC plans to step down, say sources

Deputy group CIO expected to take over in biggest leadership change since 2017

Investment chief at GIC plans to step down, say sources

2 mins

China to roll out broad stimulus to offset impact of US tariffs: Goldman

China will use a broad range of stimulus measures to offset the effects of expected US tariffs and a persisting housing downturn, according to Goldman Sachs Group.

China to roll out broad stimulus to offset impact of US tariffs: Goldman

1 min

Trump Team Studies Gradual Tariff Hikes Under Emergency Powers

Members of US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming economic team are discussing slowly ramping up tariffs month by month, a gradual approach aimed at boosting negotiating leverage while helping avoid a spike in inflation, according to people familiar with the matter.

1 min

More Options for Bond Investors as US Treasury Yields Close In on 5%

Yields in major sovereign debt markets, including Singapore's, have also risen

More Options for Bond Investors as US Treasury Yields Close In on 5%

4 mins

Trump's unpredictable nature will make 2025 a volatile year, say envoys

Chan Heng Chee and Tommy Koh raise concerns over tariffs and impact on region

Trump's unpredictable nature will make 2025 a volatile year, say envoys

3 mins

Global electric vehicle sales up 25% in 2024

Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose by a quarter in 2024 to more than 17 million cars, helped by a fourth consecutive month of record sales in December as China continued to grow and Europe stabilised, data showed on Jan 14.

Global electric vehicle sales up 25% in 2024

1 min

Digital Asset Banking Group Sygnum Turns Unicorn After Raising $80m

Digital asset banking group Sygnum, which is based in Singapore and Switzerland, has raised US$58 million (S$80 million) to bring its valuation to more than US$1 billion, a unicorn company in start-up parlance.

1 min

DBS Chief Expects US to Remain Global Growth Engine but Warns of Headwinds

Outgoing DBS Bank chief executive officer Piyush Gupta expects the US to remain as a global growth engine but warns of three potential headwinds that could lead to a market correction.

DBS Chief Expects US to Remain Global Growth Engine but Warns of Headwinds

3 mins

More interest from investors to set up hubs, grow wealth here: Chee

S'pore will ensure environment remains conducive to achieving growth, he says

More interest from investors to set up hubs, grow wealth here: Chee

2 mins

Will Trump End the War in Ukraine in 100 Days?

24 hours, 100 days, six months: While the targets shift, a key question is whether the end of the conflict will be peace or a sellout.

Will Trump End the War in Ukraine in 100 Days?

7 mins

Age Is More Than a Number When It Comes to Policy

Why how long people have been alive is not a good yardstick for judging who is 'old'

Age Is More Than a Number When It Comes to Policy

3 mins

When fear spreads faster than the disease

Social media amplifies panic with every new outbreak, but the real challenge lies in fostering science literacy and measured vigilance.

5 mins

Don't call Kennedy a vaccine skeptic. Call him what he is - a cynic

My job at the FDA is to ask tough questions of vaccine makers. That's not what Robert F. Kennedy is doing.

4 mins

Children with traumatic experiences have a higher risk of obesity

Trauma could arise from experiences such as bullying and exposure to domestic violence.

3 mins

Modi's growth mythology needs a reboot

Focus should switch to India's multitude of consumers and away from the China investment model.

Modi's growth mythology needs a reboot

4 mins

MRT ● Too many posters in stations

There are many posters placed strategically inside the MRT stations in Singapore – ranging from reminders to give up seats to the needy to the usual \"No Smoking, Eating or Drinking\" signage.

MRT ● Too many posters in stations

1 min

Workplace fairness ● New legislation leaves LGBTQ+ workers behind again

The Workplace Fairness Legislation (WFL) passed on Jan 8 marks an important step against work-related discrimination in Singapore.

1 min

SkillsFuture Credits available for a wide range of courses

We thank Ms Ho See Ling for her letter \"More diverse courses needed under SkillsFuture Credit scheme\" (Jan 7).

1 min

Incorporate financial literacy and healthy living into mainstream education

In today's rapidly evolving world, financial literacy and healthy living are two crucial skills that shape not only individual well-being but also the future of our society.

1 min

Replies Bathrooms ● Why HDB goes for natural ventilation

We thank Mr Goh Eng Chai for his feedback (\"Toilets should have ventilation fans to prevent mould\", Jan 3).

1 min

GOOD FIGHT, ONG MARI THE PICK OF TEAM DUNDERDALE

Both toss in good gallops in KL for the Kiwi trainer, along with Boss Phan, Tommy Gun

GOOD FIGHT, ONG MARI THE PICK OF TEAM DUNDERDALE

3 mins

CLIPPERS, LAKERS BRING BRIEF RELIEF

Los Angeles teams back in NBA action to provide escape for fans as wildfires continue to rage

CLIPPERS, LAKERS BRING BRIEF RELIEF

2 mins

Olympic champion Hassan wants to 'enjoy' London race

Two years after Sifan Hassan raced to a memorable London Marathon victory after stopping twice to stretch her hip in a remarkable debut at the distance, the Dutch multi-distance phenomenon is back in 2025 and excited to see what she can do.

Olympic champion Hassan wants to 'enjoy' London race

2 mins

Cavaliers Eye Revenge and Higher Standards

Fresh off handing the Cleveland Cavaliers a rare National Basketball Association (NBA) defeat, the red-hot Indiana Pacers will look to make it two straight victories over their Central Division foes in Indianapolis on Jan 14 (Jan 15, Singapore time).

2 mins

Scheffler is just such a nice guy, but a beast to catch

PGA Tour player blog - Xander Schauffele

Scheffler is just such a nice guy, but a beast to catch

3 mins

All eyes on Woods as he makes TGL debut

Tiger Woods will provide Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) with plenty of star power and a likely ratings boost as the 15-time Major champion gets set to make his debut in the tech-infused indoor golf league on Jan 14.

2 mins

FURY QUITS, BUT DOUBTS REMAIN

Former two-time heavyweight champion has retired before but then made comebacks

FURY QUITS, BUT DOUBTS REMAIN

3 mins

'Defective' Paris medals will be replaced: IOC

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Jan. 13 that the \"defective medals\" from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will be replaced with identical models.

1 min

Gatland knows only wins can save him from the sack

Wales coach Warren Gatland said on Jan 13 he knows his job is on the line, after naming a Six Nations squad who he hopes will end the national side's record-breaking losing streak.

Gatland knows only wins can save him from the sack

2 mins

MEDVEDEV'S MASSIVE MELTDOWN

Russian breaks net camera and racket in comeback win over unheralded Thai

MEDVEDEV'S MASSIVE MELTDOWN

3 mins

ARTETA CALLS FOR FANS' INVOLVEMENT

Arsenal boss wants 'best atmosphere' against Spurs at Emirates to return to winning ways

ARTETA CALLS FOR FANS' INVOLVEMENT

3 mins

Guardiola Admits to Summer Transfer Error

Manchester City need to invest during the January transfer window due to injury problems and a faltering English Premier League campaign, manager Pep Guardiola said on Jan 13, acknowledging it may have been a mistake to rule out signings in the summer.

2 mins

Different Moyes confident he can deliver same success

Everton manager David Moyes said on Jan 13 he is confident in his ability to lead the club to better days again, almost 12 years after his first spell in charge, during which they had their only top-four finish of the last 37 years.

Different Moyes confident he can deliver same success

2 mins

THRILLED ABOUT THAI BOW

Maeder keen to savour maiden SEA Games experience; bowling, shooting make return

THRILLED ABOUT THAI BOW

3 mins

LA sports teams fork out $11m for fire relief efforts

Twelve Los Angeles pro sports teams on Jan 13 pledged to donate a combined US$8 million (S$11 million) to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires and those fighting the blazes.

LA sports teams fork out $11m for fire relief efforts

2 mins

More dads developing 'mummy's wrist'

De Quervain's tenosynovitis, a condition that can arise from caring for babies, causes pain and swelling in the wrist

More dads developing 'mummy's wrist'

5 mins

How to actually sleep on a plane

Being a bit sleep-deprived when you board can help

How to actually sleep on a plane

4 mins

Eating dairy if you are lactose-intolerant

Some lower-lactose dairy products, like hard cheese and yogurt, can help keep lactose intolerance symptoms at bay

Eating dairy if you are lactose-intolerant

3 mins

Childhood vaccines are not 'overloading' the immune system

It is an idea as popular as it is incorrect: American babies now receive too many vaccines, which overwhelm their immune systems and lead to conditions such as autism.

Childhood vaccines are not 'overloading' the immune system

3 mins

Why West End Hits Get Panned in New York

\"Praise the lord for Tammy Faye,\" American filmmaker Matt Wolf cheered in The New York Times when the Elton John musical opened in London in 2022.

Why West End Hits Get Panned in New York

4 mins

Unstoppable casts light on single mum's struggle

As they try to help their children, parents often have to confront their own failings. This is one of the messages of the biographical sports drama Unstoppable, according to its star Jennifer Lopez.

Unstoppable casts light on single mum's struggle

2 mins

Los Angeles' wildfires are taking down storied architectural gems

To live in Los Angeles is to be regularly reminded that much of what surrounds its residents is fleeting. That pertains, most essentially, to human life and the natural world, as the deadly fires have reminded people.

Los Angeles' wildfires are taking down storied architectural gems

3 mins

Kate Winslet shines light on untold war story

British actress' biopic of World War II photographer Lee Miller took almost a decade to make

Kate Winslet shines light on untold war story

3 mins

Sean Lau named Best Actor for record fifth time

Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards

Sean Lau named Best Actor for record fifth time

2 mins

Jisoo to put out second solo release on Valentine's Day

K-pop girl group Blackpink's Jisoo is set to return with a new release, almost two years after her solo debut.

Jisoo to put out second solo release on Valentine's Day

1 min

Bad Bunny to Stage 21-Concert Residency in Puerto Rico

Megastar Bad Bunny announced on Jan. 13 a 21-concert residency in his homeland Puerto Rico, with the first nine shows limited to the island's residents.

1 min

Photographer Oliviero Toscani famed for controversial Benetton ads

Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani, best known for his work on Benetton's provocative advertising campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s, including one featuring an Aids sufferer, died on Jan 13 aged 82.

Photographer Oliviero Toscani famed for controversial Benetton ads

2 mins

SLITHERING DANGER IN AFRICA

The snake struck 11-year-old Beatrice Ndanu Munyoki as she sat on a small stone, which lay atop a larger one, watching the family's eight goats.

SLITHERING DANGER IN AFRICA

5 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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