Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim will be making his first working visit to Egypt as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs from Oct 31 to Nov 2.In a statement on Thursday (Oct 30), the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said that Assoc Prof Faishal's visit is intended to strengthen bilateral engagements.«The visit, his first to Egypt as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, aims to strengthen Singapore's bilateral engagements with Egypt in Islamic education, scholarship and student development, as well as to enhance partnerships for student and Islamic religious teacher (asatizah) development,» Muis said.When in Egypt, Assoc Prof Faishal will call on key individuals such as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheik Dr Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Al-Tayeed, and the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr Nazir Mohamed Ayyad. The acting minister will also meet with Singaporean students in Egypt to reaffirm Muis' support for their well-being and growth. 

The Public Service Division (PSD) announced that Manpower Permanent Secretary Ng Chee Khern, who has served 41 years in the public service, will retire on Dec 1.This is among several changes for permanent secretaries announced on Thursday (Oct 30).Ng, 60, began his career in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1984, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Air Force from 2006 to 2009.After leaving SAF, Ng was appointed Security and Intelligence Division director in 2010.In 2014, Ng was appointed permanent secretary for defence development. He was concurrently the second permanent secretary for health, overseeing emergency preparedness and capacity building for the public healthcare sector.He was later appointed as the first permanent secretary for smart nation and digital government in 2017, where he led the government's efforts to develop digital enablers for citizens and businesses, said PSD.Ng took on his current role in the manpower ministry in 2022.Other changesSustainability and the Environment Permanent Secretary Stanley Loh, 54, will take over from Ng on Dec 1. 

In her role as Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah is known for her no-nonsense demeanour in Parliament, where she is in charge of maintaining order and upholding parliamentary privilege.She also holds three other portfolios, as second minister for National Development and Finance, as well as minister in the Prime Minister's Office.However, the former lawyer gave people a rare glimpse into her personal life on an episode of CNA's series The Assembly 2, where public figures get interviewed by a group of neurodiverse individuals.In the episode published on Wednesday (Oct 29), Indranee didn't shy away from tough questions about her work, the impact of her mum's death, her dating life, and even her trademark hairstyle — which she dubbed a «pob», or «political bob».On work and familyWhen asked how she responds to criticism that she has «not been fair» in managing conduct as Leader of the House — with her admonishment of Progress Singapore Party's secretary-general Leong Mun Wai as an example — the 62-year-old politician calmly replied that he'd made a remark which she thought «wasn't appropriate».

A cat was saved, but a snake was probably left hungry.A Marcus Lee took to Facebook on Thursday (Oct 30) to detail his encounter with a python that had just caught its prey.He said he had heard a «yowl that choked into a wet, gurgling gasp» and expected to see cats squabbling, only to be greeted with one ensnared in a python's grip.After some dilemma, he grabbed the reptile by its tail and tried to «disorient» it. In a video taken from Marcus' point of view, the cat can be heard struggling as he vigorously swung the python around.The cat eventually managed to escape, and the snake slithered into the bushes.«I watched the python, ensuring it was unharmed... I whispered an apology into the darkness, hoping it could accept my trespass for its lost meal. Had it been the snake in distress, I would have fought just as fiercely for it. This was not about choosing sides,» he said. Netizens in the comments section were divided, as some felt he did the right thing, while others questioned his actions.

SINGAPORE — The alleged masterminds of a Singapore gang that ran a major scam operation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, are two brothers and their cousin.The group was led allegedly by Ng Wei Liang, 32. He is one of 27 Singaporeans wanted by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) for their suspected roles in 438 scam cases involving losses of at least $41 million.The Straits Times learnt that Wei Liang had allegedly set up the operation some time in 2024, and allegedly recruited his renovation contractor brother, Wei Kang, 33, and Wei Liang's girlfriend, Christy Neo Wei En, 29.They also pulled into the group Wei Liang's cousin Lester Ng Jing Hai, 29, who is reportedly a high-ranking member of the syndicate's operations.Wei Kang, Neo and Jing Hai were charged in September under the Organised Crime Act and denied bail on Oct 2 due to a risk of collusion.

In a strange twist, a 44-year-old male motorcyclist who was involved in an accident with a taxi along Bendemeer Road was later seen walking naked along Jalan Besar Road.The bizarre incident started at around 11am on Wednesday (Oct 29) when the motorcyclist allegedly collided into the rear of a Prime taxi.The taxi driver, surnamed Tan, told Shin Min Daily News that there was a female passenger on board his taxi when the accident happened, adding that the impact sent the motorcyclist crashing onto the roof of his taxi.«I did not dare to brake immediately as I was afraid that he would fall off. So, I gradually slowed down.»Once my taxi came to a stop, he climbed off and walked across the road before I could even ask him anything,« Tan told Shin Min. According to Tan, the motorcyclist was wearing a red shirt and a pair of dark-coloured trousers. »He looked dazed and acted strangely, pacing up and down along the sidewalk. The next moment, when I checked again, he was gone," added Tan.The man was also believed to be injured and left a 90-metre trail of blood in his wake, Shin Min reported.

For Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Surjan Singh, there is nothing more rewarding than giving a retired K-9 dog, a Labrador named Major, a chance to enjoy quality life.K-9 dogs are specially trained police dogs that play key roles in a variety of operations, including narcotics and explosives detection, maintaining public order, and responding to security incidents.Speaking to AsiaOne at his home in Woodlands on Friday (Oct 24), the 56-year-old Deputy Officer-in-Charge at Woodlands East Neighbourhood Police Centre recounted the day he first learned that retired K-9 dogs could be adopted through a programme called Project Adore (ADOption and REhoming of dogs).Started in 2012, it is a scheme that allows HDB residents to own local crossbreed dogs, up to 55cm in height. «We wanted a companion at home and my kids love dogs. So when I learned that K-9 dogs can be adopted, I thought it would be rewarding to take one in,» said the father of two, who adopted Major in May. 

A woman warded at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) snatched a loaded revolver from the holster of an auxiliary police officer while attempting to escape from the medical institution.Chew Pei Xuan, 20, pleaded guilty on Wednesday (Oct 29) to using criminal force on the officer in committing theft of an item which he was carrying, reported Lianhe Zaobao.Court documents seen by AsiaOne stated that Chew had removed a revolver from the holster of the officer without his consent at about 12pm on July 7 at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.According to the Chinese paper, the Singaporean had engaged in self-harm when intoxicated on July 3 and was admitted to NTFGH for treatment.On July 7, she tried to escape from the hospital and hid in a toilet. A nurse tried unsuccessfully to persuade her to open the door, and alerted security and Chew's attending doctor of the situation.About 10 minutes later, the patient reportedly opened the door, and a nurse guided her to her bed and checked her for injuries. At this time, at least one police auxiliary officer and security personnel were present at the ward.

Three people were taken to hospital after a van crashed into a traffic light and overturned in Woodlands on Oct 28.In response to queries from AsiaOne, the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to an accident involving a van which was believed to have skidded at the junction of Woodlands Avenue 4 and Woodlands Avenue 7 at about 5pm.SCDF said two people were taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and one person was taken to Woodlands Health Campus. The three people involved were a 60-year-old male van driver, a 49-year-old male pedestrian and a 29-year-old male cyclist.The driver is assisting police with investigations.Dashcam footage shared on the Facebook group Singapore Road Vigilante shows a black delivery van approaching a junction before mounting the curb, crashing into a traffic light, and flipping over on the pedestrian crossing.A resident who witnessed the accident told Shin Min Daily News that he saw a bicycle beside the van and that the rider's nose was bleeding. He added that SCDF personnel removed the van driver trapped in the vehicle.Police investigations are ongoing.

A 52-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday (Oct 28) afternoon after locking himself in a Tampines HDB flat with a family member.The incident happened at around 3.20pm at Block 845 Tampines Street 83.In pictures shared with AsiaOne by reader David Lim, two police vehicles, two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) fire engines, one rescue tender and an ambulance are seen at the open-air car park. A life pack was also deployed on the ground floor. Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the police said it was assessed that the man might pose a danger to himself and the family member locked inside the flat with him. Officers from the Special Operations Command, Crisis Negotiation Unit and SCDF were then deployed to the scene.Over two hours after the distress call, the man relented and opened the door to the flat at about 6pm, allowing police officers entry into the unit.He was subsequently arrested for breach of Personal Protection Order (PPO). A PPO is a court-issued order forbidding the respondent from committing family violence. 

Fourteen suspects believed to be part of a vape distribution scheme will be handed an additional charge of being members of a locally linked organised criminal group (OCG), under the Organised Crime Act 2015.The local syndicate, which allegedly supplied e-vaporisers into Singapore from Malaysia, was busted on Oct 16. Twelve people aged between 25 and 35 were arrested, and more than 64,000 e-vaporisers and its related components were seized.The police said on Wednesday (Oct 29) that a 'warehouse manager' and 'area distributor', aged 29 and 37, were subsequently arrested between Oct 19 and 23 for their suspected role in the syndicate.All 14 suspects were previously charged in court after their respective arrests. 10 were charged with engaging in a conspiracy to possess e-vaporisers for sale, and four were charged with one count of abetment.They are currently in remand for police investigations.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was one of seven world leaders - including US President Donald Trump - invited to a special dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economic leaders' meeting.Held at Gyeongju's Hilton Hotel on Wednesday (Oct 29), the guests included Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. 

Local police have put out arrest warrants for 27 Singaporeans allegedly involved in a scam syndicate operating from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.The Singaporean suspects, who are all male, are believed to be behind cases of Government official impersonation scams targeted at fellow Singaporeans, said the police in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 29).Seven Malaysians are also believed to be part of the same syndicate, which has allegedly cheated at least $41 million from victims in at least 438 cases.Singapore police said in a statement on Wednesday that it conducted a joint enforcement operation with the Cambodian National Police on Sept 9 against the organised criminal group (OCG).After the raid in Cambodia, 12 Singaporeans, two Malaysians and one Philippine national were arrested in Singapore and charged on Sept 11 for being members of a locally linked OCG.The additional 27 Singaporean and seven Malaysian suspects were subsequently identified by Singapore police.

Two persons aged 32 and 57, will be charged in court on Thursday (Oct 30) for carrying out a security assignment against a police officer without prior approval.Police said in a statement on Oct 30 that the duo were partners of a licensed private investigation agency. The 57-year-old man and 32-year-old woman had accepted a security surveillance assignment from a male client against the police officer.According to the police, the officer was investigating a case against the male client.«As the officer was working at the Police Cantonment complex, a protected place under the Infrastructure Protection Act 2017, prior approval from the Police Regulatory Department is required under the Private Security Industry Act 2007,» police said, adding that the two did not obtain the necessary approval. First known case of surveillance against investigating police officer The male officer made a police report on Jan 10, 2022, after detecting the surveillance against him a day earlier.

Infrastructure improvements, digitalisation and tailored national programmes are some of the measures that will be explored to support local businesses and address concerns about potential negative impacts from the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project. The RTS Link is a 4km railway shuttle between JB and Singapore, and is targeted to commence passenger service by end of 2026.Speaking to the media at Marsiling Community Centre on Wednesday (Oct 29) after a RTS link task force engagement session, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan provided updates on the RTS and ongoing engagement efforts with the community. «I think many of the feedback that we receive is that people are excited generally about the progress of the RTS link, the conveniences that will bring to residents, particularly in the north,» said Tan. 

A Singapore Airlines (SIA) Cargo Boeing 747-400 flight from Singapore to Guangzhou, China, encountered a technical issue on Wednesday (Oct 29) and returned to Changi Airport.According to flight tracking platform FlightAware, SQ7824 took off at around 4.20pm.About 45 minutes into the flight — which was then south of Vietnam, over the South China Sea — SQ7824 started to descend from about 39,000 ft to 20,000 ft over a 20-minute period.The plane then turned around and headed for Changi Airport while squawking 7700. China-bound Singapore Airlines Cargo flight SQ7824 turned back to Singapore on Oct 29 due to an unspecified technical issue. PHOTO: Screengrab/FlightAware The code is a universal transponder code indicating a general aviation emergency. 

A Singapore Airlines (SIA) Boeing 777-300ER flight from Melbourne to Singapore encountered a technical issue shortly after take-off and returned to Melbourne on Wednesday (Oct 29).According to flight tracking platform FlightAware, SQ228 took off at around 4.52pm local time (1.52pm, Singapore time). The almost eight-hour flight, which operates daily, would usually make a right turn after taking off, in the vicinity of Melton — a suburb on the outskirts of Melbourne — before climbing and proceeding in a north-westerly direction towards Singapore. This time, data from FlightAware showed the 10-year-old aircraft circling Melbourne before returning to the airport at 5.47pm.

A preschool was slapped with a $26,200 fine and had its licence shortened after its former cook molested three children there.In a statement to AsiaOne on Wednesday (Oct 29), the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it also took action against four members of the school’s management, with three of them banned from working in the preschool sector.All four of them were removed from their posts by the preschool’s operator.The spokesperson said that it conducted investigations into safety procedures of the preschool and found multiple breaches which compromised children’s safety.Besides imposing financial penalties on the preschool and shortening its licence from 36 to six months in May 2024,  the agency also restricted all new enrolments there.«ECDA also directed the preschool to submit a corrective action plan to ensure children’s safety in the preschool,» its spokesperson said. “The preschool submitted this in June 2024."