Singaporeans and Singapore businesses could see more opportunities in the region if they pick up Malay and better appreciate its culture, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He made this point in his Malay speech at the 2026 National Day Rally held at the ITE College Central on Sunday (Aug 23).Referring to Kampong Glam, where he officiated at the reopening of the Malay Heritage Centre on April 25, PM Wong said that beyond the community's rich heritage, the place is special as it reminds Singaporeans of their close connections to the region.«It is also a part of our shared history and heritage. We (Singapore) value these connections,» he added.Turning to how the Malay language is an «integral part» of Singapore's identity, PM Wong pointed out that it is the Republic's national language, the language of the national anthem, and used for commands in the Armed Forces.And given the city state's location, it would be valuable for Singaporeans to learn Malay and better appreciate its culture, he said.

The National Library Board (NLB) is partnering the National Library of China (NLC) to stage an exhibition on the Four Great Classic Novels, which will see several rare historical artefacts being displayed outside China for the first time.The event was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his Mandarin speech at the 2026 National Day Rally held at the Institute of Technical Education College Central on Sunday (Aug 23).Amid concerns that the falling use of Mandarin in Chinese households could cause Singapore to slowly lose touch with its cultural roots, and consequently, its bilingual edge, PM Wong emphasised that the Republic must not become a monolingual society.The prime minister noted that since his first NDR in 2024 — when it was announced that the criteria for taking up Higher Chinese would be eased — more than 1,000 students have benefitted from the change, which took effect this year.About one in four Secondary One students now take Higher Chinese in school, he said.In addition to school, the language environment at home matters too, said PM Wong.

Singapore's bilingual policy and efforts to promote Mandarin must continue, but the country can also make room for dialects, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday (April 23).Speaking at the 2026 National Day Rally at the Institute of Technical Education College Central, he noted that Teochew film Dear You had sparked lively debates.«I believe it is because it reminded us of our pioneers, the sacrifices they made and the hardships they endured, as well as the values they lived by,» he said, adding that he agreed dialects are cultural heritage worth preserving.But that cannot come at the expense of the hard-won gains of the Speak Mandarin campaign, making Mandarin now the common language among Chinese Singaporeans and laying a strong foundation for the country's bilingual policy.PM Wong also pointed out that the language connects Singapore with Chinese communities worldwide.«Therefore, our bilingual policy and efforts to promote Mandarin are moving in the right direction and must continue,» he said.

After Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate nomination in Michigan, conservative commentary about him shifted focus from socialism to his Muslim identity.

WESTERN BUREAU: “Where are you, Mr Prime Minister? Where are you? We need help.” It was the anguished cry from Cooper’s Pen, on Saturday morning as residents, some already homeless and others fearful that their houses could be next, returned to the streets demanding intervention and relocation in the wake of a demolition exercise that has shaken the Trelawny community. Dressed in white and armed with placards, the residents gathered along the North Coast Highway from early morning, insisting that they are no longer looking merely for temporary assistance.

A St Catherine woman has been left worrying about the fate of her grandsons after she and the family was asked to find another school for the two cousins, who administrators at Enid Bennett High School have described as among the institution’s most problematic students.

Franceville, 22 août 2026. — Le Président de la République, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a effectué ce samedi une importante visite de terrain dans plusieurs sites de la commune de Franceville. Accompagné d'une délégation composée d'élus, de hauts cadres, de responsables techniques, d'entrepreneurs et d'ingénieurs, le chef de l'État a voulu constater personnellement l'état d'avancement de plusieurs projets structurants. De l'USTM au marché Albert Yangari, en passant par l'ancienne (...) - INFRASTRUCTURES / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

The Russian president pointed out that «Akhmat-Khadzhi was a courageous man, who understood very well how hard the burden was and what risks he was going to take on»

Russian Foreign Minister pointed out that Russia will be taking into account everything that «openly Russophobic elites are doing now in Britain, in Brussels, in Paris, in Berlin, in other NATO and EU countries, in the vast majority of these countries»

According to Yury Ushakov, there are no signals or hints in this regard yet as the summit is still three months away

The president’s party almost always loses seats in the Senate and the House in the midterms, so that is the baseline expectation, Professor of Political Science from the California Institute of Technology Rod Kiewiet said

Targets attacked by operational/tactical aviation, attack drones, missile forces, and artillery

enmark has said that it plans to stop issuing residence permits to Ukrainians from regions least affected by the conflict with Russia Read Full Article at RT.com

Iran has warned that “not a single drop” of oil will leave the Persian Gulf if neighboring states join the US economic pressure campaign Read Full Article at RT.com

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make official visits to Kazakhstan from Aug 24 to 27, and to Uzbekistan from Aug 27 to 31. This will also be SM Lee's first visit to Central Asia, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 23).While in Kazakhstan, SM Lee will visit Astana, where he will call on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, and Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.He will also be conferred the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of the First Class Award — one of Kazakhstan's highest civilian honours — by President Tokayev and deliver a lecture at Nazarbayev University, where he will be conferred an honorary professorship.SM Lee will then head to Almaty, where he will be hosted to lunch by Mayor of Almaty Darkhan Satybaldy and meet with Singapore and Kazakh business leaders.Kazakhstan is Singapore's largest trading partner in Central Asia, with bilateral trade in goods amounting to $326.6 million and bilateral trade in services reaching $159 million.

SINGAPORE — A 34-year-old man was arrested for allegedly drink driving and driving without a valid licence after an accident in Geylang on Sunday (Aug 23).His 31-year-old male passenger was also arrested for permitting a person without a valid licence to drive.In response to queries from The Straits Times, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to an accident involving a car and a van at the junction of Guillemard Road and Geylang Road at about 3.30am.A 54-year-old male van driver was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.Images of the aftermath of the accident posted on a Facebook group, Professional PHV Drivers Singapore: Grab, Gojek, Tada n Ryde, show a grey van flipped onto its side at the junction, surrounded by passing traffic.Several people can be seen trying to push the van back onto its wheels.The user who uploaded the post said that «many strong men (tried) to push the van back but to no avail», adding that the police were directing traffic at the accident scene.Police investigations are ongoing.

They’ve spent years tearing lumps out of each other on the campaign trail – but today Malawi’s fiercest political enemies called an unlikely ceasefire, sitting shoulder to shoulder as the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia delivered a blunt message: stop the infighting and start serving the people. At the church’s flagship gathering at Kamuzu Academy, Synod […] The post CCAP Synod calls for political cooperation appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

Scorchers superstar Temwa Chawinga has seen her market value soar following an extraordinary campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco, where the US-based forward walked away with the tournament’s coveted Golden Boot. Before the tournament, Chawinga’s value was estimated at around $1.8 million, according to Soccerdonna, a global valuator of […] The post Golden Boot, golden pay day! Temwa Chawinga’s market value rockets R- fans who once slammed her issue grovelling apology appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

People’s Development Party (PDP) leader Kondwani Nankhumwa donated a consignment of blankets worth K2 million to the Lucius Banda Foundation on Saturday, as thousands of Malawians descended on Sosola Village in Balaka for the unveiling of the mausoleum of celebrated musician and politician Lucius Banda, better known to millions simply as ‘Soldier’. Speaking as he […] The post PDP’s Nankhumwa donates K2 million worth of blankets to Lucius Banda Foundation as thousands gather for mausoleum unveiling appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

In a staggering revelation of widespread paternity fraud, DNA testing facilities across Malawi have reported that roughly 80 percent of paternity tests conducted on men who suspect infidelity reveal they are not the biological fathers of the children they have been raising. The explosive trend is exposing deep-seated marital deceit, leaving families in emotional turmoil […] The post Family fraud! 80% of Malawian dads who get DNA tested aren’t the real father appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

Political leaders from across Malawi’s governing and opposition parties joined the Catholic Archdiocese of Blantyre this week in celebrating what has been described as a triple milestone for the Church in the country. The celebrations, held at Limbe Cathedral in Blantyre, mark three significant occasions falling together: the ordination of nine deacons to the priesthood, […] The post Political leaders join Blantyre Archdiocese milestone celebrations appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

A prominent Malawian commentator has launched a stinging attack on the handling of the Sylvester Namiwa case, describing the activist’s arrest and prosecution as a “national tragedy” and accusing the state of abusing its power. In a strongly worded Facebook post, writer Onjezani Kenani said the case amounted to what he called the “judicial lynching” […] The post Commentator brands Namiwa case a ‘judicial lynching’ in Malawi appeared first on Malawi News | Breaking News, Politics, Business & Sports | Nyasa Times.

Jane Coates said she felt 'incredibly alone' over her fight for justice following the death of Lucy Harrison, 23, who was shot dead by her father Kris Harrison on January 10, 2025, in Texas.

Iranian cyber terrorists forced the unnamed facility to be completely closed down while staff battled to bring systems back online, in the first and most effective attack of its kind.

When a box containing Sophie Ashton's first pack of Wegovy pills arrived on her doorstep, the 39-year-old felt a flicker of hope. Finally, she thought, here was a way to control her weight.

Backin the good old days before Megxit, the Sussexes and the Waleses were dubbed the 'Fab Four'. Fresh, good-looking, in tune with the younger generation.

On Friday morning Reform chairman Lee Anderson took to X to hail his party's victory in Thursday's Harraby South (Cumberland) Council by-election.

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP): It’s not all about short-legged speed when 150 corgis gather for an international race celebrating the little dogs. There’s a costume parade, the “smartest nose”, and – of course – the loudest bark.

UNITED NATIONS (AP): The United States has demanded that Cuba open up to private investment, and Cuba has passed sweeping reforms to encourage just that. So Cuba’s UN ambassador says he wants to know why Washington keeps piling on sanctions that stymie the very economic opening it has sought for decades. Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, in an interview this week with The Associated Press, directed his question to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the main architect of the Trump administration’s Cuba policy.

For students starting at a new school, the first day holds many questions: Will they see any familiar faces? Who will they sit with at lunch? Who will they play with at recess? “I’m this much nervous,” said Iman Fair-Seldon, five, holding her hands about four inches (10 centimetres) apart. Iman will start first grade next month at a new school in southern New Jersey, near Philadelphia. Despite the nerves, she said she is excited to make new friends.

WESTERN BUREAU: “Where are you, Mr Prime Minister? Where are you? We need help.” It was the anguished cry from Cooper’s Pen, on Saturday morning as residents, some already homeless and others fearful that their houses could be next, returned to the streets demanding intervention and relocation in the wake of a demolition exercise that has shaken the Trelawny community. Dressed in white and armed with placards, the residents gathered along the North Coast Highway from early morning, insisting that they are no longer looking merely for temporary assistance.

A St Catherine woman has been left worrying about the fate of her grandsons after she and the family was asked to find another school for the two cousins, who administrators at Enid Bennett High School have described as among the institution’s most problematic students.