SINGAPORE, Nov 7 — If you’ve visited XH Delicious Seafood, you might have been surprised to be able to order in Mandarin or Cantonese with its Indian chef-owner Devid Retanasamy, who is fluent in both languages.

But after 24 years working in Singapore, the 42-year-old is bidding farewell as he prepares to return to his hometown of Ipoh, Malaysia.

His zi char eatery in Chinatown will shutter on November 25, it announced in a social media post on Thursday (November 5).

Opened in April, the restaurant will be just a little over six months old by the time it ceases operations.

Items on its menu include a variety of zi char fare, including chilli crab (from S$48 or RM152), BBQ stingray (S$20 or RM63) and sweet and sour pork (S$15 or RM48), among many others.

But why the decision to shutter?

According to the post, it was because Devid felt that he had gained enough knowledge and experience from his journey working here since 2002 to pursue his dream of starting his own business back home.

However, that was not the only reason why the chef decided to exit Singapore.

Looking back on his career, Devid felt that he had always prioritised his career and responsibilities.

In his pursuit of success and a better future, he felt that he had missed out on many precious moments with his family — which he now wishes to make up for by slowing down, spending more time with them and cherishing what “truly matters” to him.

“Because while building a career is important, being there for family is just as meaningful,” the post continued.

Thanking customers for their support, the eatery encouraged customers to drop by before its closure.

It added that the business will continue on in Ipoh.

“Although we are saying goodbye to Singapore, this is not the end of our journey. It is simply the beginning of a new chapter in Ipoh.”

More information on the relocation will be released on XH Delicious Seafood’s social media platforms in due time.

“And if you ever find yourself visiting Ipoh in the future, we would be more than happy to welcome you again. We hope you will continue to support Devid and his new venture!” it wrote.

News of the announcement quickly drew attention from netizens and past customers, with many taking to the comments section to show their support.

“Please take care and keep cooking, Devid!” wrote a comment, while another said: “All the best Devid! Hope there’s a chance to visit you in Ipoh and support you!” — AsiaOne

Address: 39 Temple Street, Singapore 058584

Opening hours: 11.15am to 10.15pm daily

SINGAPORE, Nov 7 — A Singaporean man allegedly involved in a Cambodian-based scam syndicate was deported from Vietnam and arrested by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) upon arrival at Changi Airport on Friday (November 6).

Lam Yong Yan, 27, had been detained by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security for immigration offences since November 19, 2025.

He was deported from the country on Friday after investigations were completed.

Lam is believed to be a member of the crime ring dismantled by the SPF and Cambodian police in September 2025, which orchestrated Government official impersonation scams targeted at fellow Singaporeans.

Police said at least 528 victims collectively lost about S$53 million (RM168 million).

The man will be charged in court on Saturday with facilitating the commission of a serious offence, in furtherance of the illegal purpose of a locally linked organised criminal group.

He faces a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to S$100,000 (RM317,000), or both, if found guilty.

Lam is among the 36 people sought by local police.

A total of 23 Singaporeans and six Malaysians are still on the run.

Director of the Criminal Investigation Department Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Julius Lim said on Friday that Singapore deeply appreciates the support and close co-operation of Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security in securing Lam’s return.

“Those who prey on victims in Singapore should know that crossing borders does not put them beyond the reach of the law,” he stated.

“The SPF will work with our international partners to hold them accountable, however far they go.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the remaining suspects should call the SPF hotline at 1800-255-0000, or +65 6255 0000 for overseas callers, or submit information online at www.police.gov.sgi-witness.

All information received will be kept confidential. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 6 — Singapore and Malaysia will increase the quota of licensed cross-border taxis from 300 to 500 per country from November 16, 2026, while allowing two additional ride-hailing operators to provide services under the enhanced Cross-Border Taxi Scheme.

A joint statement by the transport ministries of both countries said the two new operators, CDG Zig Pte Ltd and Kumpool Sdn Bhd, would also be licensed to operate under the scheme from the same date.

“Commuters and drivers can look forward to more options for cross-border point-to-point trips, greater convenience and a better commuting experience,” said the statement on Friday.

According to the joint statement, the developments reflect the continued commitment of Singapore and Malaysia to strengthening cross-border connectivity and improving the commuting experience for travellers between the two countries.

“The improvements will further strengthen the strong business linkages and people-to-people ties between Singapore and Malaysia,” it said. 

Meanwhile, Land Public Transport Agency of Malaysia (APAD) Director-General Ahmad Radhi Ma’arof said Malaysia welcomed the expansion of the taxi quota and the addition of two licensed platform operators.

“... this shows a significant milestone in enhancing the cross-border passenger movement to complement the first-mile-last-mile connectivity between Johor Bahru, Malaysia and Singapore.

“It is our hope that this new development will signify further enhancement of connectivity between the two great nations,” he said.

The two new ride-hailing operators — CDG Zig and Kumpool — will join GrabCar Pte Ltd as licensed operators under the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme. 

“The increase in quota is an important step towards strengthening cross-border connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia, and reflects the strong and longstanding cooperation between our two countries,” said Singapore Land Transport Authority Chief Executive, Ng Lang.

“By expanding the availability of licensed cross-border services, we are giving travellers more options and greater flexibility for their journeys. We will continue to work closely with our Malaysian counterparts to improve cross-border travel and better serve the needs of travellers in both countries,” said Ng.

On May 4, 2026, Singapore and Malaysia introduced enhancements to the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme to bring greater convenience to travellers while ensuring fair operating conditions for transport providers and drivers in both countries. 

The measures include new designated pick-up points for ride-hailing and e-hailing bookings, more flexible drop-off points, an increase in the quota of licensed cross-border taxis and additional requirements to support enforcement against illegal domestic point-to-point trips. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, Nov 6 — Singapore police have warned of large crowds in Little India during the Deepavali celebrations, especially on the eve of the festival on Nov 7, and urged motorists to use alternative routes, The Straits Times reported.

In an advisory issued today, the police said heavy foot and vehicular traffic was expected along Serangoon Road during the period.

The pedestrian crossing at Birch Road, in front of Angullia Mosque, will be closed from 4pm on Nov 7 until 4am the next day, with pedestrians directed to alternative crossings near Kitchener Link or Baboo Lane.

The crossing at Campbell Lane may also be shut if required, with alternatives available near Sungei Road or Dunlop Street.

Auxiliary police officers and directional signboards will be deployed to manage crowd movement, the report said.

Public drinking is banned in Little India and Geylang, both Liquor Control Zones, from 10.30pm on Nov 6 to 7am on Nov 10.

The report said, first-time offenders face fines of up to S$1,500, while repeat offenders may be fined up to S$3,000, jailed for up to four and a half months, or both.

Retailers caught selling alcohol outside permitted trading hours risk losing their liquor licences, the police said.

The police also warned against the illegal import, possession and discharge of fireworks, saying they would take strict enforcement action against offenders as such acts endanger the public and their property.

A total of 45 people were investigated for fireworks-related offences in 2025, The Straits Times reported.

Individuals convicted face up to three years’ jail and a fine of up to S$50,000, while entities can be fined up to S$100,000.

Misusing sparklers, such as bundling them together and lighting them at once, is also an offence punishable by up to a year’s jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

Those who hurt others while misusing sparklers can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.

The public was also advised to stay vigilant and keep their belongings secure, including wearing bags across the front and keeping them zipped.

SINGAPORE, Nov 6 — Singapore Airlines (SIA) will start installing its next-generation first- and business-class seats on its Airbus A350-900 fleet from the second half of 2027, slightly later than its earlier target of the first quarter of 2027, The Straits Times reported.

SIA said industry-wide supply constraints and a delay in certifying the new seats had pushed back the upgrades, according to the Singapore daily.

The first A350-900 long-haul aircraft with the new seats was originally expected to carry passengers in the second quarter of 2026, with the ultra-long-range version of the A350-900 to follow in 2027.

The new economy and premium economy seats will be fitted only on SIA’s new Boeing 777-9 aircraft, the report said.

The Straits Times reported that the seat upgrades for the entire A350 fleet are part of a S$2 billion revamp across all cabin classes and are scheduled to be completed by 2030.

Covering 72 aircraft in total, it is the airline’s biggest investment in cabin products to date.

The wider refresh also includes updated dining menus and enhanced in-flight entertainment systems.

SIA last overhauled the business-class seats on its Airbus A380s in 2017, when it also redesigned its Suites, the A380’s equivalent of a first-class cabin. — AFP

SINGAPORE, Nov 5 — Singapore’s largest bank DBS Group Holdings said Thursday that its third-quarter net profit fell 5 per cent year-on-year to S$2.81 billion (about RM8.9 billion), dragged down by lower market trading income amid unfavorable equity market conditions, reported Xinhua.

The bank’s total income for the quarter declined 1 per cent from a year earlier, DBS said in a statement.

For the first nine months of 2026, however, the bank’s net profit rose 2 per cent year-on-year to a record S$8.82 billion. Its total income also increased 2 per cent to a new high of S$17.9 billion.

The firm’s fee income and treasury customer sales grew by double-digit percentages to new highs during the period, led by wealth management.

DBS chief executive officer Tan Su Shan said the global economy had remained resilient, although the outlook had become more uncertain amid elevated energy prices, tighter financial conditions and geopolitical risks.

“As we enter 2027, we will stay nimble to capture opportunities while prudently managing risks. A more supportive interest rate environment and continued structural growth opportunities would benefit earnings, while our strong capital and liquidity positions and healthy general allowance buffers provide resilience against macroeconomic uncertainty,” she said. — Bernama-Xinhua

SINGAPORE, Nov 5 — Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed that no power outage had occurred at the Woodlands Checkpoint following heavy traffic congestion along the Causeway on Wednesday.

The authority said that planned electrical maintenance works were conducted at the Old Woodlands Checkpoint on November 4 from 10am to 2pm.

“While the Old Woodlands Checkpoint was temporarily unavailable for the clearance of arriving lorries during the works, lorry clearance continued at Woodlands Checkpoint.

“During this period, some Singapore-bound cargo traffic built up on the Causeway. Operations at the Old Woodlands Checkpoint resumed at around 4pm,” an ICA spokesperson said in response to Bernama’s queries on Thursday.

A media report on Wednesday said a power outage at Woodlands Checkpoint had caused traffic congestion along the Causeway, with motorists facing delays of more than an hour when entering the checkpoint.

According to the spokesperson, ICA observed two lorries had broken down on the Malaysian side of the Causeway towards Singapore at approximately 4.30pm and 6.30pm, respectively.

The breakdowns blocked one of the three arrival lanes, contributing to traffic queues extending from the lorry breakdown sites into Malaysia.  

“The congestion was exacerbated by the higher volume of vehicles during the evening peak period.

“ICA observed that the first lorry was removed only at 9.50pm that evening, while the second was removed at around 12.22am the next day, November 5, 2026,” he added.

The authority also posted advisories on its Facebook page to alert travellers to the vehicle breakdowns and expected delays, and to notify them when the affected lane reopened. — Bernama 

SINGAPORE, Nov 5 — The Singapore government will establish a network called SG for Humanity to strengthen collective efforts to support those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said the initiative aims to go beyond mobilising funds and resources by exploring additional ways to strengthen the last-mile delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need in Gaza.

It will also broaden opportunities for Singaporeans from all communities to contribute to the nationwide effort.

“MCCY will facilitate the network by bringing together four established humanitarian organisations; Humanity Matters (HM), Mercy Relief (MR), Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) as its initial partners.  

“SG for Humanity will harness the organisations’ respective experiences, capabilities and overseas partnerships, and provide a common platform for further collaborations or new initiatives,” the ministry said in a statement on Thursday. 

According to MCCY, participating non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will continue to lead their respective humanitarian programmes and engagements, while SG for Humanity will facilitate closer collaboration.

It will identify opportunities for joint initiatives, strengthen partnerships with overseas humanitarian organisations and provide more opportunities for Singaporeans across communities to contribute through fundraising and volunteering.

“The Singapore government will complement these efforts by facilitating engagement with overseas authorities and humanitarian partners,” it added. 

Since October 2023, the Singapore government, humanitarian organisations, and the community have contributed over S$25 million (RM79.3 million) of aid to those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, supporting essential needs such as food, healthcare, clean water, shelter and education.

In 2025, the Singapore government provided S$1 million in seed funding, distributed equally among HM, MR, RLAF and SRC to support their public fundraising and humanitarian assistance efforts for Gaza, MYCC said. — Bernama 

SINGAPORE, Nov 5 — Singapore’s Parliament yesterday passed amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) with key changes that include higher maximum fines and stronger investigative and enforcement powers against entities responsible for cross-border haze.

The amendments raise the maximum fine for the main offence tenfold from S$2 million (S$1=RM3.18) to S$20 million, while increasing the daily fine from S$100,000 to S$1 million for causing or contributing to land or forest fires that risk causing haze in Singapore.

The amendments also expand investigative powers to trace commercial links and impose restrictions across business arrangements and supply chains to hold entities accountable, while removing legal barriers to enforcement in line with international law.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said the amendments would strengthen Singapore’s standing as a jurisdiction with credible and robust environmental standards.

“Transboundary haze is complex, but we are committed to doing what we can within our powers to reduce incentives for unsustainable forestry and agricultural practises.

“The amendments we are making show our commitment to ensuring traceability of our supply chain and curtailing economic benefits of companies engaged in or linked to unlawful practises,” she said in her winding-up speech following the parliamentary debate.

Fu said Singapore would continue working with regional partners, including through its role as host of the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre and its 2027 Asean Chairmanship, to strengthen the bloc’s long-term capacity to tackle transboundary haze.

“The THPA is not a silver bullet, it is one of many tools we must use to address the transboundary haze situation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) chairman Simon Tay said the amendments would strengthen penalties against companies responsible for transboundary haze.

“The THPA is a legal weapon that can be used against corporations, it will enable Singapore to act effectively against errant companies,” he said told Bernama.

However, Tay cautioned that tougher legislation alone could not prevent future haze incidents, particularly amid climate change.

“Cooperation within the Asean framework and with Indonesia and neighbouring countries will also be essential,” he added. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Firms and individuals causing or contributing to land or forest fires that pose a risk of haze pollution in Singapore can face fines of up to S$20 million (RM63 million) under the revised Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) proposed in Parliament yesterday.

Errant entities convicted of a haze-related offence can be fined up to S$1 million per day, up from the S$100,000 fine per day previously. The maximum aggregate fine has also been increased from S$2 million to S$20 million.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu announced the amendments to the THPA in Parliament on Wednesday, highlighting the need for stronger penalties to deter the serious harm caused by transboundary haze and underscore the gravity of such offences.

The higher penalties are among a suite of amendments to the THPA aimed at enabling earlier intervention, facilitating enforcement and enhancing deterrence.

Other enhancements to the law include allowing notices and other documents to be served electronically, as well as enabling court proceedings to continue in the absence of an accused person in specified circumstances, addressing challenges in enforcing the THPA against foreign entities.

Under the revised law, entities will also have to prove that the fire was caused by another person acting without their knowledge and that they took reasonable measures to prevent and fight the fire.

“It will no longer be sufficient to simply claim that another person caused the fire,” said Fu. She added that the recalibrated defence sends a strong signal of Singapore’s expectations that entities take sufficient care to prevent burning on their land. 

These amendments will also give the law more teeth, providing the National Environment Agency (NEA), which administers the Act, with additional tools to investigate commercial links and hold entities accountable.

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment will now be empowered to designate firms and individuals who have been convicted of offences under the Act, are suspected of engaging in conduct constituting an offence, or have failed to comply with relevant notices or directions.

Those designated may be subject to restrictions on business dealings, prohibiting other companies from buying from or selling goods to them, or providing loans and other financial support.

Entities with corporate, business or supply-chain links to irresponsible burning activities may also come under greater scrutiny under the new framework.

The Minister-in-charge of the Monetary Authority of Singapore will administer relevant orders where restrictions concern services provided by financial institutions.

Separately, certain entities may be put on notice not to deal with parties that cause or contribute to fires posing a risk of haze pollution in Singapore.

Entities directed to appoint an assessor must engage an expert assessor from a Director-General appointed panel at its own expense. The assessor will evaluate the entity’s operations, business arrangements and corporate relationships, and submit a report directly to NEA.

Non-compliance with such orders, notices or directions will be an offence, attracting a maximum fine of S$1 million for each contravention and an additional fine of up to S$100,000 for every day the contravention continues after conviction.

In order to further address the challenges of gathering evidence outside Singapore, the amended THPA will also introduce a civil penalty framework to provide an additional route for holding errant entities accountable.

The revised bill allows NEA, with the consent of the Public Prosecutor, to bring a civil action in court seeking a civil penalty of up to S$10 million. 

“There are clear provisions to ensure that the entity is not doubly punished — the civil penalty framework cannot be used in tandem with criminal prosecution in any single case,” Fu said in Parliament. 

The revised law will also increase public accountability by allowing NEA to publish lists of entities that have failed to comply with notices or directions issued under the Act.

Fu emphasised that the proposed changes will not guarantee successful prosecutions, nor will legislation alone solve the transboundary haze problem.

“But we must do what we can within our own jurisdiction to protect our people from the harmful effects of haze,” said Fu. 

The Bill was introduced under a Certificate of Urgency to expedite the implementation of the enhanced enforcement powers while investigations into the recent haze episode are ongoing.

“We will continue working with our neighbours to strengthen regional cooperation and prevent fires at source,” said Fu, noting the recent announcement of the joint task force between Singapore and Indonesia to tackle errant firms linked to the transboundary haze. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — An 11-year-old boy who attended a Halloween party was allegedly punched in the face about 20 times by another child, leaving him with a concussion and a bruised nose.  

The child’s mother Calista, who goes by wanderwithcali on Instagram, posted a video about the incident on Monday (Nov 2), narrating how her child had been physically assaulted by a boy, believed to be around the same age.

In her video, she mentions that her son was invited to a Halloween party by one of his schoolmates.  

As Calista was caring for her infant at home, she booked her son a taxi to the party on his own, explaining that he had been to many parties on his own.  

“At that time, this felt like a completely normal parenting decision. I mean he’s even been to many parties by himself,” said Calista.  

However, she was later alerted to the alleged beatings when her son returned home and told her “Mummy, something bad happened at the party”.  

Calista’s son then recounted to her about how the boy had allegedly punched him in the face repeatedly, estimating that it happened about 20 times.

According to him, the boy then proceeded to use a phone to hit both sides of Calista’s son’s head.

Speaking to AsiaOne, Calista said that the boy was a former neighbour of the Halloween party’s host-family and that other children present at the party highlighted how the boy seemed to be a “sore loser with anger issues”.

There were also adult eyewitnesses present at the party who confirmed that her son had done nothing to provoke the attack, said Calista.

In a follow-up video posted by Calista a day ago, she updated that her son was confirmed to have suffered a concussion following his review at KK Women’s and Children’s hospital.  

She told AsiaOne that her son is still feeling dizzy and light-headed, and that he has since been unable to attend school due to follow-up appointments at the hospital.

Horror-filled end to Halloween night

Calista later said in her video that her son had also suffered a bruised nose as a result of the alleged attack.

“Basically Halloween night concluded with the police at my house, paramedics assessing my son and (my son) being taken to the hospital in an ambulance,” she added. 

Calista said she has since filed a police report, following the incident. 

In Calista’s Instagram post, she reminded her followers that children don’t necessarily always have an instinct to react and in this case, adding that the boy was smaller in stature than her son.

“If a child freezes during an assault, it doesn’t make the attack less serious,” said Calista.

Calista told AsiaOne that her son did not retaliate as she does not encourage her children to respond to conflict with violence.

“We teach them to behave responsibly but the consequence of that is receiving a concussion and the assailant getting (away) with no consequences or punishment,” said Calista.

Following the incident, the host-family has since informed Calista that they have taken action to ensure the boy is not allowed back into the family’s home, citing their shock at his violent behaviour.

Calista mentioned that moving forward, she has become more weary about the presence of other children or people, that her own children may not be familiar with and that this incident has prompted her to even re-consider letting her children attend parties on their own anymore. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027-2036 term, becoming the first Singaporean and the first woman from South-east Asia to be elected to the court.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Lee secured the highest number of votes in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with 151 votes and the joint-highest in the Security Council with 13 votes, securing her election in the very first round of voting.

He said the strong result reflected broad international support for Lee’s candidature and the trust and confidence that countries around the world had placed in her.

“At a time of growing geopolitical tensions and challenges to the international order, the ICJ’s role in upholding international law and resolving disputes peacefully is more important than ever.

“For small States like Singapore, a rules-based international order is fundamental to our sovereignty, security and prosperity,” he posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

Wong emphasised that Singapore had long been committed to upholding international law and contributing to its development. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — A Singapore Customs video has been making its rounds online, after the agency’s chief recreated an iconic Tamil film-style entrance with dramatic angles and plenty of “aura”. 

The viral clip features the director-general of Singapore Customs walking out to Hukum Reloaded, the theme song from popular Tamil move franchise, Jailer. 

The reel recreates one of the franchise’s most recognisable scenes, with the customs chief paying homage to the film’s protagonist, “Tiger” Muthuvel Pandian IPS, a charismatic police warden played by Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth.

Flanked by officers on either side, the director-general strides forward before the reel ends with the caption: “The entrance is reel, Customs work is real.”

As of yesterday, the video had amassed nearly 1 million views.

The reel rides on the renewed popularity of the Jailer franchise, following the October 15 release of Jailer 2. 

Followers and viewers appeared to enjoy Singapore Customs’ take on the famous entry scene, with the reel even earning a shout-out from Singaporean rapper Yung Raja.

More than 1,200 comments, including one from Singaporean rapper Yung Raja, on Singapore Customs’ most recent viral reel acknowledging the effort to feature Jailer 2 theme song, ‘Hukum Reloaded’. — Picture via Instagram/Singapore Customs

Other agencies trend-jacking with Kollywood BGMs

Singapore Customs isn’t the first agency to pick-up on the trend. 

Last year, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) posted a reel featuring the different officers on duty during the National Day Parade. 

The reel featured uniformed officers walking out with their backs to the camera, in their various elements, to another trending Tamil theme song from hit Kollywood film, Coolie. 

In a similar vein, SPF released another reel during Deepavali last year, in collaboration with their colleagues from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). 

The video featured officers from each agency making star-worthy entrances before culminating in an appearance by Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam.

That reel featured another recognisable Thalapathy theme song, typically used in entrances by former Tamil-movie actor, C Joseph Vijay.

Both videos received high praise from viewers, including many unfamiliar with the tradition of using Tamil film theme songs for dramatic entrances.

Whether it’s Singapore Customs, SPF or other uniformed agencies, one thing is clear: Social media users are more likely to engage when public agencies show a lighter side of themselves.

And if recent reactions are anything to go by, a well-timed Tamil movie soundtrack, a hero-style entrance and some “aura-maxxing” may be all it takes to get netizens talking. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students have launched a petition urging the university to protect vendors at CresPion Canteen, as a change in management threatens to displace existing stalls.

Titled “Save Our CresPion Canteen”, students are concerned that rising rental costs and renovation fees imposed by the incoming operator could force vendors to shut down or relocate.

As of yesterday, it has garnered 1,533 signatures on Change.org.

The student group NTU Financial Aid and Friends also shared the petition on Instagram, highlighting concerns over the potential loss of affordable food options on campus.

NTU’s Office of Commercial and Auxiliary Services (OCAS) is changing the canteen’s operator to Food Paradise, with renovation scheduled to begin on December 11.

According to the petition, every existing stall is currently facing the possibility of having to quit, with vendors having to decide whether they can afford to continue operating under the new arrangements.

Vendors face up to two to three times increase in monthly costs

The petition states that existing vendors currently pay around S$3,600 (RM11,452) in monthly costs to the outgoing operator, Food Haven.

This includes rental, cleaning and management fees, as well as the Gross Turnover (GTO), which refers to a percentage of a stall’s monthly sales paid to the landlord on top of its base rent.

According to the petition, which cites figures obtained through interviews with stakeholders who wish to remain anonymous, monthly costs under the new arrangement are expected to exceed S$7,100, in addition to a 5 per cent GTO.

Vendors will also have to fork out an additional S$20,000 in renovation fees, the petition claimed. It amounts to more than five months of their previous rent.

The students felt that the increased operating costs could eventually translate into higher food prices or force existing vendors to leave.

“These vendors are the heartbeat of CresPion, providing relatively affordable meals to students who reside here and in neighbouring halls,” the petition stated.

It added that replacing the existing stalls with new operators could result in more expensive food options, further limiting access to affordable meals on campus.

Students call on NTU to protect existing vendors

The petition outlines four demands for NTU OCAS, including allowing existing vendors to remain without having to bear the additional renovation costs and steep rental increases.

It also calls for the university to keep rental and food costs affordable, arguing that higher operating expenses could eventually be passed on to students and other customers.

“Currently, there are no other alternatives as cheap as what CresPion Canteen offers,” the petition stated.

The students pointed out that vendors already experience up to four months of reduced income during school holidays, when student traffic on campus is lower.

They also urged NTU to reconsider what they described as profit-maximising practices, arguing that the university, as a public institution, should prioritise the welfare of its students and workers.

AsiaOne has reached out to NTU for more information. — AsiaOne

xSINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Members of the public are discouraged from rummaging through refuse bins for empty drinks containers, regardless of whether the act causes any public hygiene issue, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu in Parliament yesterday.

“Apart from the potential disamenities to the wider community, there are also hygiene and safety concerns for the individuals doing so,” the minister explained in a written reply to MP Yeo Wang Ling (Punggol GRC).

The second-term MP had asked what will guide the authority’s enforcement approach towards those found removing beverage containers from public refuse bins, including in instances where no waste is scattered or no public hygiene issue is caused.

Under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations, combing through a refuse bin or removing items from it carries a fine of up to S$1,000 (RM3,181) for a first offence, with a further S$100 for each day the offence continues.

Fu noted that even before the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) was introduced, the National Environment Agency (NEA) would occasionally receive feedback on individuals rummaging through refuse bins, adding that NEA focuses first on public education to promote good hygiene practices.

And when such actions are detected, the agency takes a calibrated approach in determining whether enforcement action will be taken, she said.

“Where individuals are found rummaging through public refuse bins without leaving litter on the ground, our officers may provide an advisory.”

NEA may also refer such agencies to social agencies for further support, if they are assessed to be vulnerable individuals.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development and its community partners use the Vulnerable-in-Community Network to connect with these individuals, understand their situation and give them the support they need, the minister said.

BCRS became fully operational on Thursday (October 1), following a six-month transition period.

As at September 27, over 48 million beverage containers have been collected, with the average number of containers per transaction increasing from 2.8 in April to 8.2 in September.

Around 55 per cent of materials collected are plastics, while the remaining 45 per cent are metal, NEA shared in an update on October 1. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Three new MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Downtown Line (DTL) — Bedok South, Sungei Bedok and Xilin — will open for passenger service on December 26.

The first two stations are part of the TEL stage 5 (TEL5), while Xilin MRT station is part of the Downtown Line 3 Extension (DTL3e).

“These new stations will stitch together two major train corridors, give commuters in the East new routes, and faster journeys,” said Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow at the Singapore Urban Mobility Week today.

Illustrating this, Siow pointed out that residents in the eastern region will be able to take the TEL continuously into the city centre, up north to Woodlands, and soon, conveniently across the Johor Strait into Malaysia.

The three new stations — Bedok South, Sungei Bedok and Xilin — sit between Expo and Bayshore stations. — Graphic courtesy of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority

The new stations are also expected to enhance access to employment nodes such as Changi Business Park and Tampines Regional Centre.

Meanwhile, Sungei Bedok interchange will also enable commuters to transfer between the TEL and DTL, providing more travel options and strengthening the resilience of our rail network.

Travel time savings

LTA said that the opening of TEL5 will put over 240,000 households within a 10-minute walk of a TEL station, while the opening of DTL3e will see 220,000 households within a 10-minute walk of a DTL station.

It projected savings of between 10 and 25 minutes for commuters travelling between the eastern region and other parts of Singapore.

The agency gave the example of commuters travelling from Havelock to Changi Business Park via TEL and DTL, which would take around 45 minutes, as compared to the present 70 minutes.

Those travelling from Marine Parade to Tampines via TEL and DTL can also expect time savings of up to 10 minutes compared to today.

Estimated travel time savings for commuters following the opening of Bedok South, Sungei Bedok and Xilin stations. — Table courtesy of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority

The upcoming opening of the TEL stations also completes the line’s five-stage planned opening, with 29 operational stations over 42.8km. 

When the future Changi Terminal 5 extension is completed in the mid-2030s, the TEL is expected to serve about one million daily commuters.

The opening of Sungei Bedok interchange and Xilin station, connecting the north-western and eastern parts of the island through the city centre, will extend the line to over 44.6km and 37 operational stations. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — The names of some Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers and their travel booking details were accessed without authorisation after airline technology provider Amadeus suffered a data breach.

Amadeus, which supports certain SIA reservations and booking processes, shared with Singapore’s flag carrier that data from about 46,000 SIA booking records was compromised.

An SIA spokesperson told AsiaOne that for about 620 booking records, additional information including email addresses, phone numbers, travel document details, and KrisFlyer membership numbers may have been accessed too.

The Spanish firm has confirmed to SIA that the exposed data does not include bank account or credit card information, and the unauthorised access also did not result in any modification to bookings.

“The incident was confined to Amadeus’ platform, and Amadeus has informed SIA that it has implemented containment measures and additional security safeguards following the incident,” the spokesperson added.

“SIA would like to assure all customers that the incident did not involve a breach of its IT systems.”

As a precaution, the carrier said it is directly contacting affected customers with upcoming travel to change their booking reference numbers, adding that it has informed the relevant authorities about the matter.

“SIA sincerely apologises to affected customers for any inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson said.

“The protection of our customers’ personal data is of utmost importance to SIA.”

Other global carriers affected by this data breach include Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air and Malaysia Airlines.

According to a statement posted on Amadeus’ website in October, certain booking-display data was available through a software glitch. 

It said its investigations are ongoing, and there is no evidence that payment or financial data was accessed.

Amadeus added that there are no signs the vulnerability has been exploited for ransomware purposes, and that it has since implemented measures to fix the vulnerability as well as enhanced monitoring and detection capabilities. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — A man who was seen taping his mobile phone to the rear of an SBS Transit double-decker bus has defended his actions amid online safety concerns, claiming he staged a stunt and that his phone was not attached to the bus. 

In a social media post on Monday (November 2), the man addressed concerns from netizens, explaining that the footage was filmed using a DJI camera mounted on another motorcycle. 

“We didn’t actually paste the phone on the bus and we filmed the entire video at 7am, so nothing was illegal,” he said, suggesting that the phone taped to the bus was not used to record the footage but was instead part of the staged scene.

In a separate video shared after his explanation, the man appeared to repeat the stunt by taping his phone to another bus, accompanied by the caption: “For part 2, let’s go. Let us know where should I paste next?”

The clarification came after the initial video, shared on social media on November 1, showed the man, dressed in a black sweater, approaching the rear of an SBS Transit bus and using yellow tape to attach a mobile phone to it.

He then returned to his motorcycle and rode behind the bus, seemingly filming content using the phone attached to the vehicle.

Following the video’s circulation, SBS Transit lodged a police report over the incident.

Responding to queries from AsiaOne, SBS Transit spokesperson Grace Wu said that the transport operator is aware of the incident. 

“We take a very serious view of this incident, which we do not condone, as it may put the safety of the individual and other road users at risk. We have since lodged a police report on the matter,” said Wu. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — The 25-year-old female driver, Mira, who survived the fatal Tampines accident involving two cars and a motorcycle on October 29, did not suffer any serious physical injuries, but is seeking psychiatric treatment for the trauma, said Minister of State Baey Yam Keng.

Baey, who is also Member of Parliament for Tampines GRC, provided the update in a Facebook post yesterday, after visiting her.

He also revealed that the car driven by Mira belonged to her father, adding that it was badly damaged and had to be scrapped.

According to Baey, this is affecting his work as he needs the car to drive to Jurong Island.

“We discussed the help they needed, including legal advice and insurance claims. Hopefully our referrals would accord them the necessary assistance soon,” he said.

Mira (seated, centre) survived the accident on October 29, after a deregistered car driven by a 30-year-old disqualified driver crashed into a motorcycle and the car she was driving. — Picture via Facebook/Baey Yam Keng

The minister of state for transport also asked to meet up with the relevant agencies to discuss if there are any measures that could be implemented along Tampines Avenue 12 to prevent such accidents from happening again.

Muhammad Zulfiqar Abdul Aziz, 30, was behind the wheel of deregistered car with a cloned number plate when he allegedly caused the fatal accident on Tampines Avenue 12 on October 29.

After the accident, Zulfiqar fled the scene along with his female passenger. They were both arrested on October 30.

Court documents show that the 30-year-old is under a disqualification order from March 2026 to March 2032.

On October 31, he was handed nine charges for traffic offences including dangerous driving causing hurt and failing to stop after an accident.

Zulfiqar had allegedly failed to keep proper control of his vehicle during a left bend, causing the vehicle to continue straight into the centre divider, breach the metal railings and enter the opposite lane of traffic.

His vehicle hit a motorcycle and a car travelling straight. The motorcyclist and his wife riding pillion were flung off the bike. They suffered serious injuries and died in hospital.

The couple, who were expecting their second child, leaves behind a six-year-old son. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 — Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers took out tools to take apart a Malaysia-registered car’s front and rear bumpers during an enhanced check at Woodlands Checkpoint.

In a series of photographs posted on its social media yesterday, ICA officers are seen pulling out the front and rear bumpers of the car.

Contraband cigarettes are also seen in the engine compartment of the car, with black thrash bags placed underneath it. 

ICA said its search and examination officers found more than 190 cartons and over 500 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in various modified compartments of the car.

More than 190 cartons and over 500 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were hidden in various modified compartments of the car. — Picture courtesy of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority

A 34-year-old male Malaysian driver and his 45-year-old male passenger were arrested and the case referred to the Singapore Customs for further investigation. 

Buying, selling, conveying, possessing and dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. 

Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded, jailed for up to six years, or both. 

Vehicles used in these offences and proceeds from the sale of duty-unpaid goods may also be forfeited. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 — Reformative training and jail time should be the default sentencing options for scammers and those who facilitate scams, according to a Bill proposed in Parliament on Tuesday (November 3).

The Sentencing (Scams) Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), reaffirms Parliament's intention that scam and scam-enabling offences should be met with strong deterrent sentences because of the serious harm they cause to victims.

However, on September 10, the High Court published its judgment regarding the case of Mohamed Erzan Taib Zohri, one among six young offenders who allegedly committed scam-enabling offences.

The court allowed four of the six appeals and replaced the offenders' reformative training sentences with probation.

The High Court also held that reformative training or imprisonment should not be the default sentence for young offenders who commit scam-enabling offences. According to MHA, this is inconsistent with Parliament's intention that such offences should generally attract deterrent sentences.

Under the proposed Bill, the High Court's decision will not be binding on and need not be considered by any court when considering any sentence imposed on scam offenders or scam-enabling offences, or when hearing appeals relating to such sentences.

In addition, courts, except the Youth Court, should consider reformative training or imprisonment as the primary and default sentencing options for offenders aged 21 and below, unless there are exceptional circumstances, the Bill states.

Youth offences relating to scams on the rise

Scams remain the most prevalent crime type in Singapore, with an average of 90 scam reports amounting to S$2 million (RM6.4 million) in losses each day in the first half of 2026, MHA said.

Over 1,000 youths were investigated in connection with scam reports in 2025, while the number of youths who committed cheating and related offences rose 37 per cent, from 814 in 2024 to 1,114 in 2025.

These youths were largely involved in scam cases as mules, according to MHA.

“We need to do more to deter young offenders from being enticed by the prospect of quick financial gains to commit such offences,” the ministry stated.

MHA added: “If a deterrent approach is not taken, Singapore's scam and youth offending situation could deteriorate.”

MHA emphasised that scams can cause serious harm to victims and must be met with a strong deterrent message, which the Bill seeks to reinforce. — AsiaOne 

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 — Data collected and utilised as part of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2 system can be used by law enforcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Transport (MOT) said in Parliament on Tuesday (November 3).

While ERP 2.0 is designed primarily for road pricing, parliamentary replies on November 3 shed further light on how data from the system may be accessed and used for law enforcement and criminal investigations. 

Much like ERP 1, ERP 2 supports functions related to motoring, including the enforcement of laws and regulations, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said.

She explained that although data collected on individual vehicles is aggregated and anonymised when transferred to LTA’s backend systems for traffic planning and management, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) can retrieve location data from sensors and systems when specific vehicles need to be identified for enforcement purposes.

“LTA has done this for enforcement against serious offences such as illegal cross-border taxi services and for detecting deregistered vehicles,” she said. “Like all other Government data, ERP 2 data will be subject to existing statutory obligations.”

Sun was responding to a Parliamentary question filed by Tin Pei Ling, who asked whether data collected by ERP 2 might support enforcement and investigations by other Government agencies.

In a separate parliamentary question, Jackson Lam asked whether police or other Home Team agencies would be able to access ERP 2.0 vehicle-specific data for criminal investigations or national security purposes, and what legal basis and safeguards would govern such access.

In response, Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming shared that the Home Team plans to begin using ERP 2 data from January 2027 to prevent, detect and solve crimes.

He shared that Home Team agencies are already authorised by law to obtain information from all available sources, including sensors. 

For example, under Section 20 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the police may order the production of any document or other thing that is necessary or desirable for an investigation, inquiry, trial or other proceeding.

“ERP 2 data will be subject to safeguards on its access and use, as with other data used by the Home Team,” he added. 

Moreover, the police will hold data obtained only for the duration needed to fulfil the purpose it was accessed for, Goh said.

He continued: “Where the data used is for criminal investigations or court proceedings, the police will likewise retain the data for as long as necessary to complete the investigation or to complete the court proceedings.” — AsiaOne 

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 — The nine-and-a-half hour disruption to public healthcare services on October 13 affected about 4,000 outpatient appointments, said Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How in Parliament on Tuesday (November 3).

He was responding to questions filed by MPs Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC), Poh Li Sam (Sembawang West SMC), Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) and Cassandra Lee (Tampines GRC).

They had asked questions ranging from the disruption’s cause, to its impact, and operational resilience plans.

The senior minister of state acknowledged that the disruption caused inconvenience and concern to patients and their families, and created additional work for the country’s healthcare workers. 

“We apologise. It should not have happened,” Tan said.

Investigation findings

He reiterated Synapxe’s statement on October 13 that the incident was not a cyberattack and that there was no unauthorised access to, compromise, or loss of patient data. 

The incident, he said, was caused by a required security update to a shared domain name system or Domain Name System (DNS) service that was not completed before a scheduled global change.

DNS is akin to the phonebook of the Internet, helping systems locate and connect to applications.

But the incident was avoidable, Tan acknowledged. 

“This was a known change and a preventable lapse. Synapxe had contracted a service provider to manage the necessary update, but it was not carried out,” he explained.

The national health technology agency is now reviewing the service provider’s contractual obligations and will take “appropriate action” for any established lapses, Tan said.

The senior minister of state also highlighted that Synapxe remains accountable for the resilience of its critical systems regardless of outsourcing.

He noted that while monitoring had picked up abnormal activity, further time was taken to identify the underlying problem and restore services safely.

To this, he said that Synpaxe is now strengthening monitoring and fault diagnosis to enable faster recovery.

It will also look into shared dependencies and alternative recovery arrangements.

In this instance, while the systems had backup infrastructure, including two data centres, both depended on the same underlying DNS service and security configuration.

This means that switching between the data centres would not have resolved the disruption.

Synapxe will therefore review such shared dependencies and strengthen alternative recovery arrangements, Tan added

The October 13 disruption affected services such as appointment bookings, visitor registration, medication dispensing and billing.

Healthcare institutions had to activate downtime procedures with additional staff supporting operations, and clinicians used selected read-only patient records and manual workflows to continue essential care.

The incident did not result in any known patient safety incidents. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of  Health will oversee and verify corrective actions, Tan said.

He added that an expert panel comprising representatives from other organisations that have similar engineering profiles has also been appointed to review the investigation findings and proposed remediation measures and identify further improvements.

“Digitalisation brings important benefits to healthcare, but as our systems become more interconnected, resilience must improve too. 

“We must make our technology more reliable while ensuring healthcare workers can continue caring for patients safely, even when technology fails,” Tan said. — AsiaOne 

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 — Singapore pledged to strengthen the implementation of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) as it prepares to assume the Chairmanship in 2027, said Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu.

She said the Republic will work towards establishing the Asean Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACCTHPC) in Indonesia to strengthen cooperation and coordination in managing land and forest fires, as well as transboundary haze. 

“This will only come into force after six Asean member states have ratified the establishment agreement of the ACCTHPC. 

“Singapore will submit our instrument of ratification for the establishment agreement in the next few days, and we will strongly encourage other Asean member states to do so,” she said during a question-and-answer session in Parliament on Tuesday. 

She was responding to questions from several Members of Parliament on how the government intends to address the transboundary haze issue at the regional level.

The session was live-streamed via the Digital Development and Information Ministry’s YouTube channel.

According to Fu, Singapore will also work with Asean member states to enhance the implementation of relevant initiatives under other Asean sectoral pillars that tackle the root causes of transboundary haze.

These include initiatives such as sustainable land and peatland management and guidelines on crop burning. 

“Some Asean member states have indicated that they will raise the transboundary haze issue at the upcoming Asean meetings. 

“Singapore will support these discussions and share how we intend to act against companies responsible for the haze,” she added. — Bernama 

SINGAPORE, Nov 3 — The government will face questions in Parliament today on its response to transboundary haze, plans to revamp the car ownership system and the resilience of public healthcare services following a major IT disruption.

The sitting will also cover child-protection measures following the death of an eight-month-old baby who was repeatedly abused by his parents, with MPs submitting questions across these issues, CNA reported.

Haze response under scrutiny

The haze, which has affected Singapore’s air quality since September, has prompted questions about whether existing legislation can effectively address pollution originating from forest fires in Indonesia and whether companies linked to the fires can be held responsible.

Authorities have since formed a joint task force with Indonesia to investigate companies suspected of involvement, issued notices to Singapore-based firms under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) for the first time, and indicated that existing laws could be amended or new legislation introduced.

MP Tin Pei Ling (PAP-Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC) wants to know what action has been taken against companies with direct or indirect responsibility for the fires, while MP Sylvia Lim (WP-Aljunied GRC) is seeking an explanation for why investigations into four companies over possible THPA breaches, opened in 2015, have yet to be concluded.

MP Sharael Taha (PAP-Pasir Ris-Changi GRC) has proposed a coordinated approach involving relevant agencies to investigate companies, identify their ultimate owners and financial links, and establish accountability, while MP Jamus Lim (WP-Sengkang GRC) is asking how many licensed preschools lack air-conditioned indoor areas and how their preparedness for haze conditions is checked.

MP He Ting Ru (WP-Sengkang GRC) will also use an adjournment motion to discuss how Singapore can strengthen its part in addressing transboundary haze.

COE reform and car affordability

The Land Transport Authority’s proposal to combine car COE Categories A and B into a single category, with surcharges and rebates linked to a vehicle’s open market value, has prompted MPs to question how the changes would affect buyers.

MP Yip Hon Weng (PAP-Yio Chu Kang SMC) is seeking details on the market distortion the proposed arrangement is meant to address and how its effectiveness in distinguishing mass-market cars from higher-value models will be measured, while MP Jessica Tan (PAP-East Coast GRC) wants the review to account for the needs of families and small and medium-sized enterprises that depend on cars or commercial vehicles, including those unable to afford ownership under market-driven COE prices.

MP Edward Chia (PAP-Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) has also asked why the proposed fees and rebates are calculated as a proportion of the COE price rather than set at fixed amounts, and how buyers will be protected from dealers incorporating rebates into their selling prices.

Public healthcare system outage

The nine-hour interruption to services across Singapore’s three public healthcare clusters on October 13 has also drawn questions about the reliability of shared IT infrastructure and the arrangements for restoring services when systems fail.

The outage resulted from a technical problem affecting network connectivity, although national health technology agency Synapxe said there was no indication that it involved a cyber incident.

Nominated MP Haresh Singaraju is asking whether the system has an independent backup, how quickly it is supposed to be restored and whether that recovery target was achieved, while MP Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar GRC) wants figures on the number of patients affected and an explanation of why backup infrastructure did not prevent the disruption; MP Cassandra Lee (PAP-West Coast-Jurong West GRC) is seeking an update on the investigation and possible measures to reduce the risk of similar interruptions.

Child-protection safeguards

The case of an eight-month-old infant who died in September 2024 after repeated abuse by his parents, both jailed on October 21, has prompted three MPs to question how warning signs involving very young children are detected before cases escalate.

Nominated MP Kenneth Poon is asking how suspected abuse involving children aged three and below who are not already known to social services can be identified, and how the Ministry of Social and Family Development connects separate concerns raised by caregivers and professionals to ensure timely intervention.

Nominated MP Neo Kok Beng wants to know whether the Sensemaking Alerts for Frontline Engagement and Response (SAFER) system could have identified cases of this nature and what additional measures would be considered if it could not, while MP Choo Pei Ling (PAP-Chua Chu Kang GRC) is asking whether information from young children’s healthcare visits could be included in SAFER’s cross-agency risk assessments and how repeated medical visits or suspected non-accidental injuries are followed up.

SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — Singapore has denied investigating a Chinese executive reportedly close to Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, rejecting claims made in a Wall Street Journal report that authorities were “concerned” about possible Chinese espionage.

The Journal said in an article published on Friday that officials in the United States, Taiwan and Singapore “have grown concerned” about the ties between the Nvidia boss and Alice Huang of Singapore-based data centre firm Megaspeed International.

The ties “potentially” gave “Beijing access to information about the world’s most valuable artificial-intelligence chips”, the report said.

Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs said at the weekend that neither the government nor officials had expressed concerns about Alice Huang’s ties to the Nvidia boss or suspicions she was a Chinese intelligence source.

“The WSJ article cites sources that Singapore officials were concerned with Alice Huang’s close ties to Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang or her being an alleged Chinese intelligence source, and had separately investigated her ties to China,” the ministry said in a statement issued Saturday.

“We would like to make clear that neither the Singapore Government nor its officials said this. And there were no such investigations conducted in respect of Alice Huang.”

Nvidia is the world’s most valuable company thanks to the global drive to build data centres packed with specialist computer chips and other hardware that runs AI systems.

The Singaporean statement made no mention of a separate report by the New York Times which China described on Friday as “groundless speculation”.

That report said that the Nvidia chief was the target of a Chinese spy plot and also mentioned his ties with Alice Huang.

AFP attempted to contact Megaspeed for comment on Friday, but when calling the phone number listed on its website, the person who answered said they were unfamiliar with the company and that the number was a residential line. — AFP 

SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — Singapore is investigating 45 companies involved in operations at Changi Airport for suspected offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA), including false declarations and illegal deployment of foreign workers, said the Manpower Ministry (MOM).

In a statement, the ministry said a recent inspection at Changi Airport revealed that employment pass (EP) holders were deployed to perform baggage handling services.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the salaries and occupations declared to MOM for these EP holders were false.

“Other work pass holders were also found performing baggage handling work, which was different from their declared occupations,” MOM said on Monday.

The ministry said investigations have identified around 270 workers employed by SATS contractors and sub-contractors whose deployment may not have been in compliance with work pass regulations. SATS is a Singapore-based air cargo handler and inflight caterer operating at Changi Airport.

“MOM has directed SATS to strengthen its oversight of the companies that they have contracted, which includes verifying that foreign workers are deployed in accordance with their work passes, and rectifying any compliance deficiencies.

“MOM has also issued an advisory to other companies involved in SATS’s operations, underscoring their obligation to comply with the EFMA and applicable work pass requirements,” it added. — Bernama 

SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — A man charged with murdering an elderly man at the void deck of a Telok Blangah HDB block was taken back to the alleged crime scene this morning.

Gabriel Foong Shi Cheng, 32, was on Oct 7 charged with one count of murder for causing the death of 73-year-old Tham Nam Poh at about 6pm on Oct 5.

The incident allegedly took place at the void deck of Block 57, Telok Blangah Heights.

Officers responding to the incident then found a 73-year-old Chinese man lying motionless on the ground floor, while a 53-year-old Chinese man was also found injured.

Both men were taken to the hospital where the older man later died.

Foong arrived back at the block at about 9.15am and was escorted by six police investigators. 

Dressed in a red polo shirt and navy blue shorts, he was restrained at his wrists and ankles as he recounted the events of that day.

Police investigators escorted him along the length of the first-floor void deck.

At times, they stopped as investigators pointed to spots marked by evidence markers. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — What started as a fundraising appeal for the orphaned son of the couple killed in the Tampines Ave 12 crash, soon found itself under scrutiny after online users questioned the legitimacy of the drive.

The allegations prompted its organiser to publicly defend the appeal. 

As of today, donations for the fundraiser had exceeded S$428,000 (RM1.4 million).

The fundraiser was started by a relative of one of the deceased victims following the fatal Tampines crash. 

The Tampines Ave 12 multi-vehicle accident on Thursday (October 29) killed the 24-year-old rider and his wife, who was also 24. The couple were reportedly expecting their second child.  

News of the plight of their first child, now orphaned, spread online, with many netizens asking how they could contribute to or donate to the grieving family.

Online user "sgfirecouple" shared how the fundraising organiser had originally responded to his story, saying she was heartened by the amount of support the family was receiving online.  

The organiser subsequently shared an Instagram story (IGS) of herself and a boy, allegedly the deceased couple's son, along with a Paynow QR code, inviting interested netizens to make a contribution.  

She also said that while donations were being sent to her personal bank account, she was working with the family to open a bank account for the couple's son. 

Donations vs doubt

Questions over the fundraiser's legitimacy surfaced over the weekend when a Facebook user claimed she did not know who the fundraising organiser was.

Her caption read, "Stop sharing the donation and do not scan the PayNow. We don't know this person."

Around the same time, the fundraising organiser created a Give.Asia fundraising page and began sharing it, along with a picture of the deceased couple and their son.

In her new post, she said that she had to censor the little boy's face due to a gag order.  

The fundraising organiser subsequently addressed the concerns in a series of Instagram Stories.

According to her, the original PayNow QR code was shared after family members, friends and followers asked how they could contribute.

As interest in the case grew, she decided to move the fundraising effort to Give.Asia.

The organiser, via her IGS, said that all donations which had originally come through via the Paynow were properly recorded "to ensure complete transparency", and that the Paynow QR code has since expired.  

She added that the funds received would be used solely for the child's education, medical expenses and other needs.

According to the organiser, she has also clarified any misunderstandings regarding the fundraising with relevant parties.

Setting up fundraisers in Singapore

In her IGS, the organiser said that setting up a fundraiser in Singapore was not easy and that there were documentation steps and verification steps involved, attempting to further-prove her legitimacy.  

Since social issues began garnering attention online, more Singaporeans have been turning to virtual fundraising platforms to set up fundraisers.  

However, when setting up a fundraiser, the organiser is usually required to submit documentation before a campaign is approved - documentation can be in the form of a hospital letter, hospital bills, invoices or legal letters.  

Platforms like give.asia require fundraisers to submit all relevant documentation before granting approval for the fundraiser to be published.  

Other platforms such as giving.sg conduct relevant checks before approving a campaign to be published on their site.  

The fundraiser involving the Tampines fatal crash, "Help an orphan: A community coming together for his future", has since received over S$428,000 in donations from more than 11,000 donors. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 2 — It may have seemed like a close shave, but the dramatic landing attempt was all part of standard safety procedures for Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilots.

SIA pilots of flight SQ213 had to approach the runway twice and performed a “go-around” before safely land a plane amid strong winds in Perth, according to a Facebook video by user Chris Perry last Saturday (Oct 31).

The video has garnered over 2.6 million views, 7,300 likes and 1,800 comments as of Monday morning.

In the video, an SIA plane can be seen approaching the runway at Perth Airport.

However, the aircraft is seen abruptly banking to one side, bringing its right wing seemingly close to the ground.

The plane then pulls upward, climbs away from the asphalt and returns to the air before making another landing attempt.

“High winds at Perth caused my sisters flight to have to go round again,” Perry wrote in his post. “Thankfully the second attempt was a success.”

In the comments section, many users pointed out that the wing was quite close to the ground and that the situation looked dangerous.

“Inches away from death, literally,” said one. “That was a very calm and skilled pilot.”

“That wing looks so close to the ground! Far out,” another commented.

Some, however, felt that the video made the incident seem far more dangerous than the situation actually was.

“Pilot checking in. That was pretty sketchy, but not that dangerous,” a user claimed.

“That must have been pretty frightening for many on board. But a go-around is a standard safety procedure and happens regularly at airports around the world,” another stated, adding that SIA only chooses “the best of the best”.

A go-around is a standard procedure in which pilots discontinue an approach or landing and climb away before attempting another landing.

Many users also praised the pilots for their skill in operating the aircraft.

“These pilots are highly trained. They know when to put the kite down or do a go-around for safety.

Another said: “Well done to the pilots, hope your sister wasn’t too shaken up.”

Responding to queries from AsiaOne, an SIA spokesperson said that SQ213 experienced strong winds on approach into Perth International Airport last Saturday.

“As a result, the pilots decided to conduct a go-around,” the spokesperson said. “The Airbus A350-900 aircraft landed safely at 1230hrs (local time) and taxied to the gate.”

SIA also stressed that the safety of customers and crew is their top priority. — AsiaOne

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — Chang Cheng Hokkien Mee has closed it doors after 32 years of operation, but it still lives in the hearts of its patrons.

The stall, which was located in Chop Joo Hiong Eating House at Serangoon Avenue 3, served its last meal on Oct 31.

In an interview published by Shin Min Daily News yesterday, the hawkers, Wu Fushun, 64, and his wife Lin Rongduan, 61, said many old customers whom they hadn’t seen for many years came down after news of their coming closure spread.

Wu said customers surged by 50 per cent in the past week, and the couple said they were touched by the gifts they received from customers, including chocolates and handwritten cards.

They shared a thank-you letter written by an 11-year-old girl, the daughter of their longtime customers.

In the photo of the letter they shared to Shin Min Daily News, addressed to “uncle and auntie”, the girl said she was sad to see them go.

“Therefore, I wanted to write this letter to thank you. To some, this is just an ordinary little stall, but to me, it wasn’t just about delicious Hokkien mee, but also about the warm hospitality,” she wrote.

“I especially want to thank auntie, because every time I come, you always recognise me and are so kind, making me feel happy and warm. Thank you for your continued kindness and enthusiasm. I will miss your Hokkien mee and the warmth you brought me.”

She also wished them good health, peace, happiness and wished them the best for their future, signing of as “an 11-year-old girl who loves your Hokkien mee”.

Wu said his wife treasured the letter and brought it home as a keepsake.

He later shared they had been running the stall for six days a week for more than 10 hours a day for the past 32 years.

The long-term strain gradually took a toll on Wu’s health and they decided to close their doors to focus on their wellbeing. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — More than S$354,000 (RM1.12 million) has been raised for a six-year-old boy who lost both parents in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Singapore.

The boy’s parents, both 24, died after a car struck their motorcycle and another vehicle along Tampines Avenue 12 on October 29 before fleeing the scene.

His mother was reportedly one month pregnant at the time.

According to Mothership, a fundraising campaign launched by the boy’s father’s cousin had collected S$354,093 as of 3pm today, with donations intended to help secure his future.

The tragedy carries a particularly heartbreaking family history.

The boy’s father had himself lost his biological father in 2009, when he was just eight years old, and was subsequently adopted by relatives. His biological mother died in 2022.

Now, his own son faces growing up without either parent.

In an emotional appeal accompanying the Give.Asia fundraiser, the cousin described the deceased man as someone she had always regarded “as my little brother”.

“I watched him grow up right before my eyes, and he has been part of our family for as long as I can remember,” she wrote.

The young couple had been looking forward to building a future together and were planning to apply for a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat before their lives were cut short.

Instead, their son has been left to face a future without them.

The fundraising campaign aims to provide financial support for his daily living expenses, education, healthcare and other necessities as he grows older.

The cousin acknowledged that financial assistance could never make up for the devastating loss of his parents.

“No amount of money can replace the love of a mother and father,” she wrote.

But she expressed hope that the generosity of relatives, friends and members of the public would help give the boy the stability and opportunities his parents would have wanted for him.

A 30-year-old man has since been charged with nine offences in connection with the crash, including dangerous driving causing death.

A gag order imposed on October 31 prohibits the publication of the victims’ identities, photographs and other identifying details.

For the boy’s grieving relatives, the immediate priority is ensuring he receives the care and support he needs in the years ahead.

“He has lost his parents, but he still has family who love him, and a community that can come together to look after his future,” the cousin wrote.

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — Travellers heading into Malaysia over the Deepavali long weekend have been warned to expect heavy congestion and lengthy delays at Singapore’s Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, with heightened security checks likely to add to waiting times.

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued the warning today ahead of the November 6 to 9 holiday period, urging motorists to avoid peak travel hours after some travellers faced waits of up to three hours during the September school holidays.

According to The Straits Times, the advisory comes as Singapore prepares for another surge in cross-border traffic, following a record-breaking day in September when more than 599,000 travellers passed through the two land checkpoints.

Deepavali falls on Sunday, November 8, with the following Monday designated a public holiday in Singapore.

The ICA said travellers should plan their journeys in advance and consider travelling outside peak periods to avoid prolonged queues.

It cautioned that immigration clearance could take longer because of enhanced security measures introduced on February 28 amid heightened global security concerns, particularly developments in the Middle East.

The warning follows an exceptionally busy September school holiday period, when more than 6.1 million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints between September 4 and 14.

Traffic peaked on September 4, with more than 599,000 crossings recorded in a single day, surpassing the previous record of more than 598,000 on June 19.

Motorists travelling during peak periods, including early mornings and late evenings, experienced immigration clearance delays of up to three hours.

The ICA urged travellers to check traffic conditions before setting off and encouraged them to generate QR codes through the MyICA mobile application for “faster and more seamless immigration clearance”.

Authorities also warned motorists against ignoring checkpoint officers’ instructions or breaching traffic regulations.

The ICA said firm action would be taken against travellers who failed to comply with officers’ directions or committed traffic offences at the checkpoints.

The advisory comes ahead of what is expected to be another busy holiday period at the two crossings, which serve as major gateways between Singapore and Johor.

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — Long dubbed an “air-conditioned nation”, Singapore is experimenting with cooling alternatives from chilled beams to “passive displacement” to curb its thirst for energy-guzzling air conditioning.

The city-state has the highest per-capita air conditioner ownership rate in Southeast Asia, with about 99 per cent of private residences equipped with cooling units.

Singapore’s local building sector accounts for one-fifth of its emissions, while cooling itself accounts for 40 to 60 per cent of a building’s energy consumption, according to studies.

A stroll down renowned thoroughfare Orchard Road highlights that dependence. Shoppers are greeted by blasts of cool air that waft into the street as doors swing open — a major draw given daytime highs hover between 31°C and 33°C year-round.

But air conditioning can make the heat problem worse. Compressor units belch hot air back out into the environment, and the electricity that powers the systems can contribute to climate change if generated from fossil fuels.

Alternative options

Some buildings in Singapore are looking at other options, including active chilled beams, which are perforated panels equipped with cooling coils that are mounted on ceilings.

A chiller plant on the building’s top floor cools water down to 9C, then pumps it into the coils. Simultaneously, air is blasted through small nozzles inside the beams.

The jets of air create a low-pressure zone that sucks up warmer air from the room below so it passes over the coils and is cooled before recirculating.

The technology keeps the offices at the eight-storey Paya Lebar Green building in eastern Singapore at a comfortable 24°C.

This photo taken on August 21, 2026, shows the cooling vents (top) that produce a hybrid cooling method at an office building in Singapore. — AFP pic

A visiting AFP team felt noticeably cooler air flowing from the sleek white panels on the ceiling of the building, described as one of Singapore’s “greenest”.

The system is also quiet, without the constant hum of air conditioning units.

When HR professional Renuga Shekar first moved into an office space at Paya Lebar Green last November, the 30-year-old and her colleagues just thought the exposed pipes and panels on the ceiling was a “warehouse kind of look”.

“We didn’t really think much about it. No one really commented about it,” she told AFP.

It was only months later, after noticing how quiet the office was and hearing technicians mention “ACB” during maintenance, that they realised it was cooled by active chilled beams.

“We didn’t even realise how different the air cooling system is because it was very seamless, and in terms of the temperature, ideal for everybody in the office,” she said.

Together, the system cut energy use by more than 30 per cent compared with conventional air conditioning, according to the building’s designers, DP Architects.

A similar system is in use at Singapore’s ports authority maintenance building at western Tuas harbour.

The building uses passive displacement cooling, which taps natural airflow to reduce reliance on mechanical fans.

Ceiling cooling coils chill the air, which sinks before naturally rising back to the coils as it warms. This continuous cycle reduces the need for fans, cutting energy use and noise.

‘Mindset shift’

Another alternative is radiant cooling, where water chilled to between 14C and 18C flows through pipes or panels and absorbs heat radiating from people or objects to reduce ambient temperatures.

The push to find new cooling solutions has government backing.

A 2024 government study identified alternative cooling technologies (ACTs) as a key strategy which found they could save the city up to 48 per cent in energy.

A staff member checks the cooling system at Punggol Digital District in Singapore September 11, 2026. — AFP pic

By mid-2026, at least 33 public and 14 private buildings had adopted ACTs, Singapore’s building authorities said. The city-state has an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The figures are still relatively small, and it can be challenging to find an ACT that is acceptable to users familiar with tried-and-tested air conditioners.

Supporters of alternative systems acknowledge that they cost more to install than conventional air‑conditioning, but say they more than make up for it over time with much lower running costs thanks to big energy savings.

The most popular alternative method remains hybrid cooling — simply turning up air conditioning to a higher temperature of 25.5°C to 27°C, and pairing it with fans.

“Everybody’s more used to having air-conditioned office spaces, so for them to suddenly accept 26 degrees, I think the mindset shift has not reached a threshold where it’s generally accepted yet,” said Chua Zi Jun, director at DP Architects.

Demand for cooling is only increasing as climate change raises temperatures and humidity in Singapore and beyond.

Traditional air-conditioning systems rely on vapour compression, using refrigerants to move heat from one place to another.

ACTs use the same basic principle, but either spend less energy moving cool air or reduce run-time by leaning on people’s ability to adapt to slightly higher temperatures.

“The technologies are a step in the right direction and should eventually incorporate more sophisticated controls, including predictive systems that adjust temperatures before rooms become too hot or cold,” said Wan Man Pun, a cooling tech expert at Nanyang Technological University.

But “we still haven’t found any alternative cooling methods that have a higher coefficient of performance, or efficiency, than vapour compression”, Wan said. — AFP

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — A woman’s late-night ride home took an unexpected turn after her private-hire driver allegedly claimed that road closures prevented him from taking her to her destination, and attempted to drop her off at a deserted bus stop. 

Sharing her experience on social media on Wednesday, the woman, who goes by the name Rose Ann, said what was supposed to be a 26-minute journey turned into a prolonged ordeal that left her fearing for her safety.

She said a male friend booked a Grab ride for her from Circuit Road to Yishun on a Saturday night, with the driver arriving at around 12.50am.

“At first everything was fine, the uncle was friendly cool and talkative. He even asked if I smoked and offered to open the windows for me,” she said. 

However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the driver allegedly told her that Lentor Avenue, which was part of their route, was closed, prompting him to take an alternative route.

Despite attempting several routes, Rose Ann said they encountered multiple road closures.

By around 1.30am, the pair ended up near SBS Transit’s premises in Yio Chu Kang.

Friend notices car travelling in wrong direction

Meanwhile, the friend who had booked the ride for her also noticed that the vehicle appeared to be travelling in the wrong direction, prompting him to call her after receiving a red alert on his app.

Despite being assured by the driver, Rose Ann soon realised that he was heading away from her destination in Yishun as before.

When she questioned him, she said the driver allegedly turned the vehicle around and headed towards Mandai.

“He said he was going to drop me off somewhere, then he stopped at a dark, quiet, empty bus stop. I was shaking (and) I felt like I was in a horror movie,” she recounted.

Driver offered to continue journey for extra payment

After further discussion, Rose Ann claimed the driver offered to try another route, but said she would have to pay extra.

During this period, Rose Ann said her friend had also reported the incident to Grab. 

When the journey eventually resumed, Grab reportedly called the driver, and she claimed that he refused to answer the calls.

When Rose Ann finally arrived at her block in Yishun, she asked the driver to drop her off at the entrance.

Responding to queries from AsiaOne, a Grab spokesman said it is aware of the incident.

“We are committed to providing safe and reliable rides for all passengers, and we are currently looking into this matter,” said the spokesman.

AsiaOne has reached out to Rose Ann for more information. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — Fine particulate pollution across Singapore returned to normal levels this morning after a brief spike in the west, although fires in neighbouring Indonesia continued to raise concerns over the risk of transboundary haze.

One-hour PM2.5 readings in the western region reached 59 at 5am and 6am, placing them in the elevated band, according to Singapore-based media organisation Channel News Asia (CNA).

By 11am, readings across Singapore’s five regions had fallen to between 31 and 46, all within the normal range.

The country’s 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), which measures overall air quality, stood at between 70 and 88 at 11am, within the moderate range.

Singapore’s air quality has remained in the good-to-moderate range since October 25, following an earlier spell of hazy conditions.

However, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said dry weather across much of the southern Asean region had contributed to scattered hotspots in Kalimantan, on the Indonesian island of Borneo.

Moderate smoke plumes were also detected from hotspots in southern Kalimantan and Sumatra, while several air quality monitoring stations in Sumatra reported unhealthy pollution levels.

Showers forecast over parts of Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Peninsular Malaysia in the coming days could help ease the situation by reducing hotspots and smoke.

Nevertheless, areas experiencing prolonged dry conditions could continue to face elevated pollution levels, with the possibility of haze spreading across national borders.

The NEA forecast Singapore’s 24-hour PSI to remain in the moderate range on Sunday, at between 51 and 70, meaning the public could continue their usual outdoor activities.

The agency advised residents to consult the 24-hour PSI forecast when planning outdoor activities, while using the latest one-hour PM2.5 readings to assess more immediate conditions.

During periods of elevated PM2.5 levels, healthy individuals are advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activity for the following hour.

Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor exertion during such periods.

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — Five Singapore-registered companies potentially linked to fires in Indonesia that contributed to transboundary haze have agreed to independent assessments of their operations and supply chains, as Singapore intensifies efforts to establish corporate accountability for cross-border pollution.

The companies include some of the region’s biggest agribusiness players, whose complex ownership structures and plantation operations have come under scrutiny over fires that have repeatedly blanketed parts of South-east Asia in smoke.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) said yesterday that representatives from Wilmar International, Golden Agri-Resources, APP Company, APP Company (China) and Indofood Agri Resources had agreed to engage independent assessors and cooperate with the review process, The Straits Times reported.

A sixth company, Kencana Agri, has indicated its willingness to participate voluntarily, with the agency planning a further meeting with its representatives.

Another company, First Resources, has publicly expressed its readiness to engage an investigation firm and a law firm to examine any potential connection to fires in Indonesia that contributed to the haze.

NEA said it was awaiting written confirmation from First Resources.

“The companies’ voluntary participation in the assessment process will help establish the facts, including whether the companies have any involvement in or connection with the fires in Indonesia that caused or contributed to transboundary haze affecting Singapore,” the agency said.

The development follows an October 28 closed-door meeting at which representatives of 10 Singapore firms that had received notices under the country’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act were summoned to meet senior government officials.

The meeting was attended by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.

Shanmugam told the companies they would need to appoint specialists to investigate their operations, corporate relationships and supply chains, with the resulting audit reports submitted to the authorities.

The scrutiny reflects the difficulties of tracing responsibility for fires across national borders, particularly when plantation operations, subsidiaries and suppliers are spread across multiple jurisdictions.

Singapore announced the formation of a specialist panel on October 23 to conduct such inquiries. The panel is intended to draw on expertise in cross-border investigations, complex corporate structures and supply chain assessments.

Six firms and a senior lawyer were appointed to the panel on October 30.

The 10 companies issued notices were APP Company, APP Company (China), Bumitama Agri, Golden Agri International, First Resources, Indofood Agri Resources, Kencana Agri, TSH Global Plantation, TSH Oversea and Wilmar International.

Golden Agri Resources, which owns Golden Agri International, had earlier pledged to cooperate with the authorities.

In an October 29 filing to the Singapore Exchange, the company said it and its subsidiary would “cooperate fully and transparently” in providing information requested by NEA.

The assessments are intended to determine whether the companies have any connection to the fires, rather than establish guilt in advance.

The outcome could prove significant for Singapore’s efforts to enforce its transboundary haze legislation, which seeks to hold companies accountable for pollution originating beyond its borders.

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — A man was sentenced to two weeks’ jail after he forcefully dragged a woman into the lift of a HDB block and tried to stop her from leaving.

Malaysian national Wang Qingxiang (transliteration), 24, pleaded guilty in court on October 29 to a charge of attempting to wrongfully confine a person, reported Shin Min Daily News.

The incident occurred at a HDB block in Ubi on the evening of September 21.

Court documents reportedly state that Wang had met the victim near Ubi MRT station to introduce a job opportunity.

The pair discussed this opportunity as they walked to Wang’s block.

At about 11.25pm, the man invited the woman to his home to continue the discussion.

The woman declined and tried to leave, but Wang prevented her from doing so by grabbing her arm and body. She screamed for help. 

When the doors of the nearby lift opened, Wang dragged the woman inside and held onto her while pressing the lift button to close the doors, according to Shin Min.

Just as the doors were about to shut, the victim reportedly broke free and escaped.

She lodged a police report, stating that the incident induced feelings of panic and fear. She reportedly worried Wang was trying to rape her.

Wang was arrested on September 22 and remained in remand since then.

In court, the prosecution said the victim had escaped by chance, and would have otherwise been trapped alone with Wang in the small enclosed lift. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — As part of the Singapore government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards against government official impersonation scams (GOIS), the police will be the first government agency to launch a single, prefixed number — 6000 0999 — starting November 2.

In a joint media release by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, Open Government Products and the police today, they said the initiative was developed through a multi-agency effort by them.

It is aimed at helping members of the public identify legitimate calls from government agencies more easily, and better protect them against scams that involve the impersonation of government officials.

Outgoing calls from government agencies are currently made using different phone numbers, including officials’ office landlines and official mobile phones, making it difficult for members of the public to recognise and trust legitimate government calls, and creates opportunities for scammers to impersonate officials.

In her reply to a parliamentary question filed by first-term MP Shawn Loh (Jalan Besar GRC) on July 7, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo had said that the government takes the threat of such impersonation scams seriously and is committed to combating calls that undermine public trust in government communications.

She added that the government is developing systems for all agencies to make calls with numbers that start with a common prefix, with the police piloting this initiative this year.

Police’s single caller ID 6000 0999

From Monday, outgoing calls from the police will be made from the single caller ID 6000 0999, followed by an SMS from the “gov.sg” SMS sender identity, informing them of how they may contact the police if they require further assistance. 

The number only applies to outgoing calls and cannot be used to receive incoming calls, and cannot be made through messaging applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram. 

Members of the public who require further assistance after each call can contact the police via their feedback portal or their feedback hotline at 1800-358-0000.

The single caller ID initiative, starting with the police, will not be the last of the government’s anti-scam measures. 

The government intends to progressively introduce measures to make outgoing calls from other government agencies more easily recognisable and verifiable by members of the public.

“We are studying the implementation arrangements, taking into account the different operational and service delivery needs of agencies, as well as lessons from SPF’s implementation.”

Government official impersonation scams on the rise

While the total number of scam and cybercrime cases fell to 41,974 last year from 55,810 in 2024, the number of GOIS cases more than doubled from 1,504 in 2024 to 3,363 last year.

Correspondingly, the total amount lost by victims of GOIS rose by 60.5 per cent — from S$151.3 million (RM480.5 million) in 2024 to S$242.9 million last year.

This works out to more than S$72,000 lost per case on average last year.

According to the police’s annual scam and cybercrime brief published in February, the majority of GOIS victims were aged 65 and above.

Members of the public are reminded that government officials will never ask any one to transfer or hand over valuables such as money, luxury watches, gold or cryptocurrency.

They will also not ask for banking login credentials, installation of mobile applications from unofficial app stores, or transfer calls to the police.

Those who are in doubt can call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — A Changi Road restaurant has highlighted a case of a diner who washed his hands at the table and left a pool of water on the floor.

In a now viral Instagram post, Deanna’s Kitchen shows the customer’s action, which took place at around 5.30pm on Thursday.

The video has got over 6,600 likes as at Friday afternoon.

Two diners, a man and a woman, are seen sitting facing each other in the restaurant, and the man can be seen wiping his hands with a tissue paper.

He then opens a bottle of mineral water, splashing it over his hands and onto the floor.

As he wipes down his cutlery and continues his meal, an observant staff member immediately mops the floor, cleaning the mess the diner had made.

All this took place with a washbasin in the background, about less than five metres away from the diner.

In their post, Deanna’s Kitchen owners Muhamad Asri Ramli and Denise Deanna Chew remind customers of the washbasin as well as the toilet in their restaurant.

Additionally, they provide hand soap and tissues.

“We understand that sometimes when you’re enjoying our prawn noodles or seafood dishes, you need to use your hands.

“And of course, you’ll want to wash them afterwards. No problem at all! That’s exactly why we have these facilities available.

“But please, don’t wash your hands at the dining table and let the water drip all over the floor,” they stated.

“I think it’s really just basic consideration for the people around us, especially those who are working hard to keep the restaurant clean and comfortable for everyone,” the shop owners said, encouraging customers to wash their hands at the basin instead.

‘We should all exercise some basic courtesy’

Responding to queries from AsiaOne, Asri and Denise said incidents like these are thankfully uncommon.

“Washing your hands at the dining table and allowing water to flow onto the floor is really not appropriate,” Asri, 48, said.

“It creates unnecessary work for our staff and could potentially endanger other diners.”

The couple who have been operating their restaurant since 2017 added that they would like to remind customers to be more considerate when dining out.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with washing your hands after a meal. It is simply about doing it at the appropriate place.”

Addressing comments questioning the diner’s nationality and ethnicity, the restaurant also emphasised that they uploaded the video to share on basic dining etiquette, hygiene and consideration for others.

“Whether you are dining at a hawker centre, coffee shop or restaurant, I believe we should all exercise some basic courtesy.

“At the end of the day, our staff work hard to keep the restaurant clean and comfortable for everyone. A little consideration from customers really goes a long way.” — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) has extended the cancellation of its flights between Singapore and Dubai till February 28, 2027, citing the geopolitical situation in the Middle East in an advisory issued on Friday.

The affected flights are SQ494 from Singapore to Dubai and SQ495 from Dubai to Singapore.

SIA’s flights had previously been cancelled till December 2, with its low-cost budget carrier arm Scoot doing so for its flights between Singapore and Jeddah till the same date.

As of October 31, Scoot has not announced a further extension of the cancellation.

SIA added that its other flights may be affected due to the fluid situation.

Customers affected by the cancellations can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket.

Meanwhile, there is no clear end in sight to the US-Israeli war against Iran that started on February 28 this year.

US President Donald Trump, speaking ahead of November 3 midterm congressional elections, said on Friday he believed the war with Iran will end soon, but stopped short of saying how that would happen.

“It’s going to get wrapped up soon,” Trump said in an ⁠interview with Kansas City radio station KCMO. “We need a guarantee there’ll never ⁠be a nuclear weapon.”

Oil prices rose on Friday — set for a fourth monthly gain — as an attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz highlighted the continuing supply risks from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its eighth month. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 — An Australian man was sentenced to five months and six weeks in jail on Friday after spitting at police officers and urinating in their direction.

Morris David, 52, will serve his imprisonment with effect from July 16, the day he entered Singapore and a day before he was remanded, and faces an additional fine of S$5,000 (RM16,000), according to court documents.

During sentencing, District Judge Sharmila Sripathy-Shanaz highlighted the man’s continuous belligerent and aggressive behaviour over 32 hours.

“His actions demonstrate a prolonged and flagrant disregard for authority and the dignity of the public officers involved,” she said, as quoted by CNA.

She also called the “inherently degrading and unsanitary nature” of him urinating at the officers “particularly reprehensible” and said that he also threatened to defecate and throw faeces at them at the time.

The judge added that his sentence signals that this behaviour would not be tolerated.

32 hours of abusive behaviour

On July 16, Morris landed in Changi Airport from Bali on his way to Australia.

Having suffered a head injury in Bali, he was brought in a wheelchair to the clinic at Terminal 3, but left after learning he would have to pay for treatment.

The police were initially called when Morris got belligerent with a manager at the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge.

He was sent to Changi General Hospital for treatment but returned to the airport afterwards.

Morris went to the departure hall with an invalid boarding pass but demanded entry into the lounge and to board his flight.

An auxiliary police officer escorted him to the Singapore Airlines check-in counter for assistance but Morris grew loud and vulgar with him.

He then attempted to call a taxi, but was approached by other police officers whom he got verbally abusive with.

According to the chart sheets, when an officer touched his shoulder, he threatened: “Touch me one more time, I swear to god, I will knock your glass off your head.”

He was eventually brought back to Changi General Hospital and sedated, while police officers kept watch over him.

The chart sheets stated that he threatened six officers throughout his hospital stay and spat at them multiple times, threatening two of them by saying: “I want to grab your throat and choke you” and “Come here, let me choke you, fat pig.”

Morris later tried to bite an officer when they attempted to put a mask on him.

He also asked to use the toilet twice, and was offered the potty and urinal bottle. He then threatened to defecate and throw his faeces at the officers, and eventually urinated in their direction.

The prosecution asked for eight months and one week in jail for Morris, arguing that he was offensive and derogatory with “no respect” for local police and had committed several offences in such a short period of time.

His defence, however, said that Morris was remorseful and apologetic, and ready to face his consequences and apologise to the police.

They asked for a fine and a shorter jail sentence.

Under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014, it is an offence to use or make any indecent, threatening, abusive or insulting words, or behaviour towards a public servant or public service worker.

Offenders face imprisonment of up to 12 months and/or a fine not exceeding S$5,000.

Those who assault or use criminal force on a public servant executing their duty also face up to four years in prison and a fine. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Oct 31 — A former youth worker in Singapore has been sentenced to two years and six months in jail for sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl who had previously lived at the home where he worked.

According to The Straits Times, the 31-year-old man pleaded guilty on Thursday to three counts of sexually penetrating a minor, with five other charges taken into consideration during sentencing.

The court heard that the girl had been placed at the home due to family violence and had developed a crush on the man, whose work responsibilities did not formally involve her.

Despite knowing that staff were prohibited from contacting current or former residents privately, he began messaging her on Telegram in March 2022 after she was transferred to another home.

The man subsequently initiated a relationship with the girl, regularly picking her up from school and engaging in sexual contact with her.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Yohanes Ng told the court that the man pressured the girl into performing a sexual act in May 2022 despite her initial reluctance, before later engaging in further sexual activity with her at his flat.

The offences came to light after a staff member at the girl’s new home noticed her wearing an army T-shirt, prompting the disclosure of her involvement with the man, who subsequently resigned.

The offender, who was arrested in June 2026, cannot be identified because of a court-imposed gag order protecting the girl’s identity.

SINGAPORE, Oct 31 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has warned business founders that staying at the helm for too long can leave younger leaders underdeveloped and companies less prepared for the future, urging firms to plan leadership succession deliberately.

The Straits Times reported that Wong made the remarks at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SCCCI) 120th anniversary dinner last night.

He reportedly said succession was among the hardest challenges for businesses, particularly family-owned firms, because founders often spend decades building companies around their judgment, relationships and personal identity.

“Renewal cannot be left to chance. It must be planned for, and nurtured deliberately,” he was quoted as saying.

Wong said senior leaders should mentor successors, share their experience and networks, and gradually give younger leaders more responsibility, including room to make their own decisions and mistakes.

Younger leaders, meanwhile, should earn that trust by bringing fresh ideas and capabilities while remaining willing to learn from those who built the business, he said.

Wong said the same principle applied to institutions such as SCCCI, which could connect generations of business leaders, facilitate mentorship and create opportunities for younger members to step forward.

Beyond succession, he urged companies to transform before circumstances forced them to, noting that artificial intelligence was already changing how firms operate and compete.

He cautioned that simply adopting AI tools would not amount to meaningful transformation, saying companies would gain more by rethinking processes, redesigning jobs and, where necessary, changing business models.

SINGAPORE, Oct 31 — A 30-year-old man who fled the scene after a fatal accident in Tampines here on Thursday night has been arrested. 

The accident, which took place along Tampines Avenue 12 at about 10.35pm, involved two cars and a motorcycle.

Police told AsiaOne in an earlier statement that they were tracing the whereabouts of the man and his female passenger.

Both had fled the scene before police officers arrived and the man did not render assistance. 

In an updated statement on Saturday morning, the police said the man and his 29-year-old female passenger were identified and arrested in the vicinity of West Coast Road on Friday.

They added that preliminary investigations found that the man had driven a deregistered car with a cloned number plate while under disqualification.

After the accident, a 24-year-old male motorcyclist and his female pillion rider, also 24, were conveyed unconscious to Changi General Hospital where they later died of their injuries. 

A 25-year-old female driver of the other car was conveyed conscious to Sengkang General Hospital.

The 30-year-old will be charged in court on Saturday and faces a total of nine charges:

• Dangerous driving causing hurt;
• Dangerous driving causing death;
• Driving under disqualification;
• Failing to stop after an accident;
• Failing to render assistance after an accident;
• Using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage;
• Using a deregistered car;
• Using a car without a licence;
• Exhibiting a false licence plate.

The offence of dangerous driving causing death carries a jail term of up to eight years while the offence of driving under disqualification carries a fine up to $10,000 or jail term of up to three years or both.

The police also reiterated that they take a serious view of motorists who use deregistered vehicles, drive under disqualification, or commit other serious offences.

“Such reckless and irresponsible acts endanger the safety of other road users. The police will not hesitate to take firm action against motorists who disregard traffic laws and endanger the safety of other road users,” they added. — AsiaOne

SINGAPORE, Oct 30 — Singapore has selected seven investigation and legal specialists to assess companies identified by its government as potentially linked to transboundary haze, as authorities move to strengthen enforcement against firms suspected of contributing to fires.

Singapore’s CNA reported today that the panel comprises investigation firms Control Risks Group, FTI Consulting (Singapore) and Kroll Singapore, alongside Dentons Rodyk & Davidson, Toby Landau KC of Duxton Hill Chambers, TSMP Law Corporation and WongPartnership.

Singapore’s Ministry of Law (MinLaw) and National Environment Agency (NEA) separately confirmed the appointments in a joint statement, saying the panel members have expertise spanning forensic investigations, financial analysis, corporate intelligence, risk advisory and legal services.

Companies identified by the government will reportedly be required to engage an NEA-selected team comprising an investigation firm and a law firm or legal adviser from the panel, with the assessment carried out at the companies’ own expense.

The assessors will examine their operations, corporate relationships and supply chains, before submitting findings to NEA for consideration in deciding whether further action is warranted.

Davinder Singh Chambers has meanwhile been appointed as the government’s adviser and will coordinate the panel’s work to ensure its reports provide the information and evidence required by NEA.

The Singapore government also plans to table amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014 at the next parliamentary sitting to give legal force to the assessment framework.

CNA said the move follows a meeting on Wednesday between senior executives representing 10 companies under scrutiny and Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister K Shanmugam and Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu.

The companies pledged to cooperate with Singapore’s investigations, which could include giving assessors access to relevant documents, personnel and premises.

Wilmar International has become the first of the 10 to publicly say it will voluntarily engage, at its own cost, an investigation firm and law firm from the government panel, according to CNA.

SINGAPORE, Oct 30 — Singapore’s labour market continued to expand in the third quarter (3Q) of 2026, with total employment growth rising to 27,700 from 11,400 in the previous quarter (2Q), according to preliminary data released by the Manpower Ministry (MOM).

In a statement, MOM said employment among both residents and non-residents continued to grow significantly in 3Q compared with the previous quarter.

“Resident employment growth continued to be mainly supported by essential and public services, while growth in outward-oriented sectors remained subdued amid global economic uncertainty.

“Non-resident employment growth continued to account for the majority of employment growth, mainly in sectors such as construction and manufacturing,” it said on tomorrow.

Nevertheless, the ministry noted that retrenchments edged up from 4,620 in 2Q to 4,800 in 3Q, remaining elevated in selected outward-oriented sectors.

“The overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.0 per cent in September 2026,” it added.

Looking forward, MOM said companies will need to continue adapting and investing in their workforce, while workers will need to keep their skills relevant against a more uncertain global outlook and rapid technological change. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, Oct 29 — A woman who drank alcohol at home before heading to a nightspot was fined S$2,500 today for molesting one of its female workers, The Straits Times reported.

According to the Singapore daily, Sonik Archana Susheel, 32, an Indian national, pleaded guilty to outraging the modesty of the 20-year-old victim.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Yohanes Ng told the court that Sonik went to the downtown nightspot at around 11pm on March 13 to meet a friend and drank more alcohol there, the report said.

She was dancing alone at around 12.30am when the victim walked past, The Straits Times reported.

The DPP said the victim nearly collided with Sonik, who was dancing erratically, before Sonik touched the victim’s buttocks and pushed her stomach area.

Court documents stated that the entire interaction lasted no more than five seconds, according to the report.

The victim turned towards Sonik and uttered an expletive, while Sonik continued dancing before walking away.

The daily reported that the upset victim sought help from the nightspot’s bouncers, and her superiors told her to rest. Police arrested Sonik soon after.

Sonik was represented by lawyer Ariffin Sha, and the court heard that the offence was not premeditated, The Straits Times said.

Under Singapore law, those convicted of molestation can be jailed for up to two years, fined, caned, or receive any combination of these punishments. Women are exempted from caning.

SINGAPORE, Oct 29 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto have held high-level communication amid recent bilateral challenges.

Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said the communication has established political commitment on both sides to do “what is necessary,” and that the focus now is to implement and execute the plans and commitment.

“I am not at liberty to discuss the details, but just let me give you the assurance that communication has occurred at the highest level between my prime minister and with President Prabowo,” he told Singapore media following the conclusion of his working visit to Indonesia on Wednesday.

He was asked about the state of bilateral relations between Singapore and Indonesia following recent developments, as well as details of his meeting with Prabowo the same day. The transcript of the interview was made available by Singapore’s Foreign Ministry.

Balakrishnan described his visit to Jakarta as also involving engagement at the highest level, having met his newly appointed counterpart, Indonesia Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir, as well as having called on Prabowo.

“We had good conversations, honest conversations, sincere conversations, and we have come up with a few constructive approaches, some of which we are in the midst of implementing.

Balakrishnan said their announcement yesterday (Tuesday) on the Joint Task Force “is a recognition that in the case of haze, it is a transboundary problem and it requires a collegiate, collective response on the part of both Indonesia and Singapore.”

The minister said the task force aims to facilitate a collective response, enhance information sharing, and strengthen coordination to deter companies engaging in such anti-social and, frankly, dangerous acts.

“We can also hold them accountable, and we can try our best to make sure that this does not recur,” he added. — Bernama

SINGAPORE, Oct 28 — National carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) has agreed to purchase up to 4,800 tonnes of next-generation (next-gen) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Aether Beacon Pte Ltd over three years, with deliveries set to begin in 2028.

In a joint statement, it said the agreement marks SIA’s first purchase of SAF produced using new technology that converts waste carbon feedstocks into aviation fuel.

“SIA is the first airline to purchase SAF produced at Project Beacon, Aether’s commercial production facility, which is being developed at Aster’s refining complex on Pulau Bukom in Singapore.

“Project Beacon will use feedstocks such as biomethane and industrial waste gases to produce SAF using Aether’s Aurora technology,” it said today.

It noted that Aether uses its proprietary technology, which innovates around the Fischer-Tropsch process to convert waste-derived gases into liquid aviation fuel.

The SAF produced will be certified under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), it added.

SIA chief sustainability officer Lee Wen Fen said the airline is demonstrating demand for new lower-carbon fuel production pathways in Singapore, being the first airline to purchase SAF from Project Beacon.

“We will continue to work with partners globally to scale SAF production, strengthen the aviation industry’s sustainability ecosystem, and support the transition to more sustainable air travel.

“Supporting the development and adoption of SAF, and securing future supplies, are integral to SIA’s ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” she said.

According to the statement, Aether also intended to start up its first large-scale commercial plant with a production capacity at least 10 times larger than Beacon, as part of its planned expansion of its next-gen SAF production capacity by 2031. — Bernama