A drive back to Singapore ended on a distressing note for a family of four after a Causeway Link bus allegedly collided with their car near the Johor-Singapore Causeway.According to the father, who shared his account with Stomp, the incident occurred on May 3 at about 11.36am as the family was returning to Singapore after a long weekend in Desaru.The father, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was travelling with his wife and two children, aged two and six, when he entered a lane designated for buses while using the Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway for the first time.«By the time there were signs to show which was the car lane, the queue was already bumper to bumper,» he said, noting that the vehicle lanes were not clearly marked in advance.«I had no way to signal and slot myself into the queue. I had to wait to be let in once the car lane traffic moved forward.»

While the relationship between Singapore and Malaysia since independence has had its complications, the main story between the two neighbours remains one of cooperation across many fields, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Monday (July 13).He was speaking to some 150 Singaporeans living and working in Malaysia at a reception held at Singapore's High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.President Tharman, noting that there are about 120,000 Singaporeans living and working there, said each one of them plays an important role towards bilateral relations.Turning to the sense of «ease and familiarity» with being in Malaysia, the President suggested this comes from the two countries being immediate neighbours, and their common history – going back to before British colonial rule, and extending to the tumultuous 1960s and eventual separation.«The relationship since independence has had its complications at times. »But the main story of Singapore-Malaysia relations has been one of cooperation across many fields – cooperation underpinned by the belief that we are each better when we work together, and grow together," he explained.

SINGAPORE - The High Court on July 14 awarded Cabinet ministers K. Shanmugam and Tan See Leng each $230,000 in damages after ruling in their favour in the defamation suit they brought against news provider Bloomberg and its journalist.The case arose from a Bloomberg article published on Dec 12, 2024, titled “Singapore mansion deals are increasingly shrouded in secrecy”, which mentioned transactions involving Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) in Singapore.The article included the ministers’ property deals in 2023 – the sale of Mr Shanmugam’s former home in the Queen Astrid Park area to UBS Trustees for $88 million and Dr Tan’s non-caveated purchase of a bungalow in Brizay Park for nearly $27.3 million.In a written judgment on July 14, Justice Audrey Lim found the natural and ordinary meaning of the article is that the ministers took advantage of the absence of checks and balances or disclosure requirements to conduct their property transactions in a non-transparent manner, and that they did so in order to hide their transactions and avoid scrutiny that might extend to the possibility of money laundering.

Small in stature but big on spin, six-year-old Ahmad Yusuf Ahmad Bahrain has become Southeast Asia's Beyblade champion.Not only did Yusuf emerge champion in the Regular category at the Singapore G1 Beyblade Championship, he also clinched the G1 Southeast Asia (SEA) Cup Regular title on Sunday (July 12), reported Berita Harian (BH). As the Singapore G1 champion, the primary one pupil from Pioneer Primary School represented Singapore at the SEA Cup, which brings together G1 champions from several Southeast Asian countries.The G1 Championship is Beyblade's highest-tier official tournament in the region, above G2 and G3 competitions, with stricter entry requirements and equipment inspections.Yusuf defeated more than 100 participants in the Singapore G1 Regular qualifying tournament at Marina Square on Saturday.He then beat representatives from Indonesia and Thailand on Sunday, before being crowned the regional champion in the Regular category for competitors aged six to 12.According to Yusuf's father, Ahmad Bahrain Hassan, 34, his son has yet to fully grasp what he has achieved.

Fraudsters are once again taking advantage of the upcoming Government cash payouts to hijack Telegram accounts and perpetuate scams, several TikTokers warned.Content creator Nicole Chen, also known as Nicole Liel, shared a scam message purportedly sent via a «gov.sg» Telegram channel, encouraging recipients to check their eligibility for the GST Voucher (GSTV) cash and Medisave schemes.«If someone sends you this link, don't go and press this thing, like legit automatically (sic) you will get hacked,» she said in a video posted on Monday (July 13).AsiaOne observed that the Telegram channel from which the scam message originated has the same name and display picture as the official «gov.sg» broadcast channel.However, the infographic in the scam message incorrectly claimed that recipients would receive a GSTV cash payment amount of $1,000, and a MediSave top-up sum of $850 in the August disbursement.

A family in Woodlands recently found themselves playing host to some unexpected — and adorable — neighbours.After a pair of olive-backed sunbirds built a nest in a potted plant outside their HDB flat in June, the family spent over a month watching the birds raise two chicks, which eventually became so comfortable around humans that they were seen perching on residents' fingers.In a Facebook post shared in the group Singapore Wildlife Sightings on Sunday (July 12), the homeowner, Qiu Fen Deng (transliterated), 55, wrote that the chicks had «officially fledged their nest and are exploring the neighbourhood».«It's been such a joy watching this little family build nest from June 4, [with the] first sighting of babies on July 4 [before they finally] fledged off on July 12,» he wrote.The 55-year-old aviation propulsion engineering supervisor told Lianhe Zaobao that the sunbird parents began building their nest on June 4 among the branches of a potted plant outside his flat.

The police are looking for a man to assist with investigations in relation to an incident at Compass One Shopping Centre.In a Facebook post on Sunday (July 13), the Sengkang Neighbourhood Police Centre said the incident took place at about 3.32pm on May 28.Police did not provide further details on the incident, to avoid compromising ongoing police investigations. Based on the photograph provided by the police, the bespectacled man was wearing a brown t-shirt, kaki-coloured cargo pants, and a pair of grey shoes. can contact the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at police.gov.sg/i-witness.All information would be kept strictly confidential, said the police.[[nid:737282]]editor@asiaone.com 

A woman said she was «impressed» when Singapore Airlines cabin crew launched a full-scale rescue mission to retrieve her ring after it fell into a gap in her plane seat.A video shared on social media on Monday (July 13) by user @cforcassan shows a male crew member lying on the ground as he searches beneath the passenger's seat for the lost ring. «Your ring falls into the depths of your plant seat and the entire cabin crew launches a rescue mission,» the video captioned. The woman, whose account handle is Cassandra Tan, said that she had gotten the ring in Shanghai from a Chinese brand called Hefang. Checks by AsiaOne show that the rings can cost up to US$240 (S$310) on the brand's website. «They constructed an entire tool with whatever they had on the plane. This is now a core memory for me,» said Tan.The makeshift tool consisted of two chopsticks and a DIY hook made from a bobby pin, taped together with what looked like plasters. Tan added that she was supposed to wait for the engineers to come on board after the plane landed. 

An elderly uncle known for his ability to imitate everyday sounds has once again drawn attention online, after a new video showcasing his skills and tricks surfaced.Known affectionately as «Tok Tok Man», Lai Kok Chuen, who is in his 70s, previously appeared in viral videos for his unique performances.In a TikTok video shared on Sunday (July 12), Lai can be heard imitating various sounds, including ambulance sirens, police sirens and phone alarms. He is also seen performing a balancing trick with an umbrella.The person who shared the video wrote that they had met the «wholesome uncle» at a bus stop, where he was also carrying his trademark QR code linking to a video of himself.«He deserves so much love,» wrote the person.The video has since garnered more than 57,000 views and 4,500 reactions. It was previously reported that Lai was a roaming noodle seller in the past, who carried bamboo instruments to attract customers.

A total of two winning shares are splitting the $12.8 million Toto jackpot following the cascade draw on Monday (July 13). The winning numbers were 14, 22, 32, 33, 36, 46, and an additional number of 42.Both the winning shares are $7 QuickPick System entries. One was purchased from AP Mini Mart at Block 122 Bedok Reservoir Road, while the other was purchased through Singapore Pools’ account betting service. Each winning share will take home about $6.4 million in prize money.According to Singapore Pools, this is also the 15th highest Toto jackpot prize since October 9, 2014.After the past three draws saw no winners, the jackpot had snowballed to an estimated $10 million and later grew to over $12.8 million. 

Singapore's president and prime minister sent condolence letters to Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday (July 13) following the passing of his father, the former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.The 73-year-old died on Sunday morning, according to a post on X by the Emir's office, which also announced a four-day mourning period till Wednesday.A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam and former Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is now Senior Adviser in the Prime Minister's Office, will represent Singapore to convey condolences to the Qatar royal family at Lusail Palace on Tuesday.President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and PM Lawrence Wong wrote to Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamin to convey their condolences.In his letter sent on behalf of Singaporeans, President Tharman said that the late Sheikh Hamad was an exceptional statesman, whose visionary leadership transformed Qatar and elevated its standing on the global stage.

A woman has taken to social media to express her frustration at Scoot allegedly refusing compensation for two surfboards damaged during a flight.In an Instagram post on Saturday (July 11), the traveller, whose account handle is Karliehuang33, said she had checked in a longboard and a mid-length surfboard on her flight from Hainan to Phuket.She said both surfboards were stored in a protective surfboard bag and tagged as «fragile» by airport staff before departure.However, upon arriving in Thailand, she said both surfboards had been broken in half, describing the damage as «total structural destruction» and saying that they were beyond repair.Images also show her damaged board bags, which she claimed were caused by baggage handling staff despite her taking precautions to protect the surfboards.

The police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will get a new director at the helm on July 20, with Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC) Julius Lim Wei-Yang taking over the role.He takes over from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zhang Weihan, who will remain as the force's Deputy Commissioner for Investigation and Intelligence.The 40-year-old incoming director joined the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in 2004 and has held several key appointments over the past 22 years, including as Commander of Bedok Police Division and Senior Assistant Director of the Joint Operations Group at the Ministry of Home Affairs.Prior to his upcoming appointment, SAC Lim was the principal private secretary to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.In these roles, the incoming director is said to have contributed to strengthening Singapore's security and public safety capabilities, including through policy development, inter-agency coordination, and advancing whole-of-government efforts on Singapore's longer-term strategic priorities.

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will visit Brunei from July 14 (Tuesday) to 17 as the Singapore Government's representative to the 80th birthday celebrations of Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.As part of the official celebrations, SM Lee will attend the royal guard of honour parade and the investiture ceremony on Wednesday, as well as the royal banquet on Thursday. While in Brunei, SM Lee will have audiences with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family. He will also meet with various Bruneian ministers and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel training in Brunei.The SAF has been using Temburong for training since 1977.SM Lee will be accompanied by his wife Ho Ching, and Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming.Singapore's leaders send congratulatory lettersPresident Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, SM Lee, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have written congratulatory letters to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. 

Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing will make a two-day working visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 14 (Tuesday) to July 15.Chan, who had previously served as Singapore's military attache in Indonesia when he was in the Singapore Armed Forces, will jointly launch the Indonesia-Singapore Defence Alumni initiative with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a news release on Monday that the alumni is intended to bring together officers from the Singapore Armed Forces and Indonesian National Defence Forces who have worked together or completed a study stint in Singapore and Indonesia respectively.It added that the alumni will allow officers from both countries to maintain their personal relationships forged through shared experiences, and, in turn, support the bilateral defence relationship between both countries.Singapore's Chief of Defence Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and his Indonesian counterpart General Agus Subiyanto will also participate in the launch as co-presidents.

A 46-year-old man was arrested for dangerous driving causing hurt after a collision involving a car and a motorcycle in Jalan Besar on Sunday (July 12).Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to an accident at the junction of Kitchener Road and Jalan Besar at about 9.40pm. A video of the incident shared on Facebook page SGRV Admin shows a car travelling through the junction while the traffic light in the opposite direction was red.A motorcycle was seen travelling straight through the junction before colliding with the car. The motorcyclist was later seen lying on the road, appearing to be in distress.A 28-year-old male motorcyclist was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, said the police. A 46-year-old male car driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing hurt. Police investigations are ongoing. 

A woman pulled off the ultimate birthday surprise when her husband thought he was simply checking out a parked motorcycle — until she revealed it was his present.In a series of four videos shared by TikTok user @wantheone on that platform on Saturday (July 11), the woman decided to surprise her husband with a shiny blue ride.The first video begins with the couple riding a multi-storey carpark lift to level 4A. After exiting, the woman pretends to notice the bike, which appears to be a Yamaha YZF-R3, and asks her husband if it's the same model he had mentioned previously. She then approaches the stationary bike while asking her husband, «This one what bike ah?»She then adds, «This is actually your birthday present, you know?» before quickly playing it off with: «Do you like it? Should I buy one like this for you?»Trying to keep the surprise under wraps, she tells him she's filming the interaction so she can remember what kind of motorcycle he likes.Her husband appears unconvinced and while still processing what she's saying, he responds with a bewildered, «Huh?» 

A 29-year-old Singaporean man was charged in court on Monday (July 13) over his alleged involvement in a case of criminal trespass and voyeurism at a commercial building in Whampoa. The man, who cannot be named due to a court-imposed gag order protecting the victim's identity, faces one charge each for criminal trespass and voyeurism. The alleged offences were committed at 1.57pm on October 6, 2025.Charge sheets seen by AsiaOne indicate that the man allegedly trespassed a female toilet on the second floor of an industrial building along Bendemeer Road and intentionally observed a woman by climbing over a toilet cubicle partition. The incident happened near the premises of Singapore-based news and media company AsiaOne.The 29-year-old man, who was unrepresented but accompanied by his parents, remained expressionless when the charges were read out.He told the court that he intends to plead guilty to the charges.How the case unfoldedUpon being notified of the incident, AsiaOne's safety and security team alerted the police and retrieved CCTV footage from the building's surveillance cameras.

SINGAPORE — The centrepiece of the upcoming Woodlands Gateway project will be a major mixed-use transport hub, bedecked with acres of shopping and office spaces, and green areas for leisure, with direct links to rail lines.Underground, there are plans to build a network of roads that will take heavy vehicles and trucks directly to industrial offices and keep the ground level free of heavy traffic.The Gateway's grounds will also feature community facilities like parks and sky links for pedestrians and cyclists, linking them to the larger neighbourhood.JTC Corporation, in tender documents seen by The Straits Times, outlined plans for the mega-project.It said: «As the first rail entry point from Malaysia, Woodlands Gateway is envisioned as an iconic northern gateway, designed to offer travellers a strong impression when entering the city-state.»By seamlessly integrating transport, commercial and industrial functions into a single district, the development will serve as a prominent showcase of Singapore's leadership in mixed-use planning, innovation and design."