SINGAPORE - Rough sleepers will get more support to find stability in housing, jobs and rebuild ties with their families, with help from community partners as part of a broader push to tackle homelessness.The 17 initiatives include a drop-in centre offering meals, showers and counselling, a programme matching single rough sleepers with compatible co-tenants to help them access public rental housing sooner, and micro-jobs and apprenticeships to gain work experience and become more financially stable.Homeless youth will also get more support, including mentoring, family mediation, and vocational guidance. Another project will develop a tool to identify people at risk of homelessness so they can receive help earlier.The projects are supported by the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) Partnership to Tackle Homelessness (PATH) Fund, a $450,000 fund announced in January to help community organisations test solutions to the underlying causes of rough sleeping. The fund was launched in April.

SINGAPORE – At least four more primary schools have scrapped the parent volunteer scheme in the last two years.Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) and Mee Toh School stopped accepting such parent volunteers in 2026, while Hong Wen School and Rosyth School did so in 2025.The scheme, which gives parents priority placement when registering their children for Primary 1, is often seen as a way to get a foot in the door of popular schools.Under the scheme, parents clock at least 40 hours of volunteer work by completing tasks like helping out at school events, or serving as traffic wardens or librarians.They get priority to register in Phase 2B of the yearly Primary 1 admission exercise. Children of active community leaders and those with church or clan associations also qualify under this phase.In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Education Ministry (MOE) said on Aug 18 that around one-third of Singapore’s primary schools currently offer the parent volunteer scheme. There are 182 primary schools here.

The police are looking for the driver of a black Porsche sports utility vehicle (SUV) after a hit-and-run accident in Changi on Wednesday (Aug 19) morning.When AsiaOne reached the scene at around 1.20am, debris was scattered across the first two lanes on both sides of Upper Changi Road East before Xilin Avenue. Map showing where the hit-and-run on Wednesday (Aug 19) morning happened. GRAPHIC: Google Maps, AsiaOne/Stringer A section of green fencing along the road divider was damaged, with at least one segment lodged under the front left wheel fender of the vehicle.A male driver, who appears to be uninjured, is seen standing by his car and using his phone.

For most Singaporeans, Formula One arrives in a burst of activity around Marina Bay each September. But ahead of this year's race weekend, Singapore GP is once again bringing some of that atmosphere into the heartlands through the return of its #RevUpSG watch party series.Now in its fifth edition, the community initiative will see live Formula One screenings and fan activities held across three locations from August to September 2026, giving residents a chance to immerse themselves in the sport before the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2026 gets underway.The #RevUpSG initiative aims to bring Formula One closer to communities across SingaporeThe series begins at Bedok Town Square on Aug 22 to 23 with screenings of the Formula One Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, before moving to HDB Hub in Toa Payoh on Sept 12 and 13 for the Formula One Gran Premio de Espana. The final stop will be Kampung Admiralty on Sept 25 and 26, where fans can catch the Azerbaijan Grand Prix just days before Singapore hosts the world's fastest racing series.

Upset that his father had given his mother traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a man in Toa Payoh allegedly brandished a knife at his dad before he was arrested.The 53-year-old had reportedly flew into a rage in their flat at Block 222, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh at around 12.30pm on Tuesday (Aug 18), resulting in his 82-year-old father calling the police, reported Lianhe Zaobao that day. A Zaobao reporter reached the scene at around 2pm, where they noted that a cordon had been set up around the area and personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force had deployed safety life air packs below the block.Five police vehicles were also present, Zaobao reported, and large crowds of onlookers were seen in the area.Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the SCDF shared that they were alerted to the incident around 12.45pm.They subsequently deployed two safety life air packs, while rescuers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team remained on standby in the area as a precautionary measure.No injuries were reported.At around 3pm, the air packs were deflated and the man was seen being escorted away from the scene by police officers.

A total of 31 motorists, aged between 24 and 61, will be charged in court on Thursday (Aug 20) for drink driving offences.Police said in a news release on Wednesday that the motorists were arrested between May and July this year after failing breathalyser tests conducted during police enforcement checks.Of these motorists, two will also receive an additional charge of leaving their vehicles in positions causing undue inconvenience to other road users.The duo, aged 28 and 35, were found asleep behind the wheel of their vehicles along Lorong 1 Geylang and Nicoll Highway on July 12 and July 26 respectively.Investigations found that they had driven after consuming alcohol, and their vehicles were left in positions that obstructed traffic and potentially caused danger or inconvenience to other road users.Police reminded motorists that they will not hesitate to take firm action against motorists who drink and drive.«Members of the public should not drive if they intend to consume alcohol. All motorists are reminded to obey traffic laws and play their part in keeping Singapore’s roads safe,» the police added.[[nid:742775]]

Singapore's Asean Championship campaign ended at the semi-final stage, but the Lions leave the competition with stronger results, growing belief and signs that supporters are reconnecting with the national team.World No. 148 Singapore arrived at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday (Aug 18) needing to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit. They eventually beat hosts world No. 94 Thailand 2-1 but lost 4-3 on aggregate.Still, the victory ended a run of 11 consecutive defeats against Thailand and was Singapore's first win over the War Elephants since 2012.For right-back Ryhan Stewart, who was named player of the match, the performance reflected the mentality Singapore have been trying to build.

A total of six bus interchanges will undergo upgrading as part of ongoing efforts to make public transport more comfortable, family-friendly and inclusive, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Tuesday (Aug 18). The six interchanges are Bishan, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Eunos, Punggol and Tampines.The authority added that works to improve accessibility, commuter amenities and staff facilities will begin in 2027.As part of the upgrading works, systems such as air-conditioning, ventilation systems and lighting will be replaced and upgraded to improve comfort and energy efficiency.Inclusive facilities such as priority queue zones, additional seating, baby care/family washrooms, wheelchair accessible toilets, tactile guided paths and Braille signs on handrails will also be enhanced.

Banking veteran Hsieh Fu Hua has taken over as chairman of the National Wages Council (NWC), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced on Wednesday (Aug 19).He takes over from Peter Seah, who chairs the boards of DBS Group Holdings and Singapore Airlines, after the career banker asked to relinquish his appointment for «personal reasons». «After deliberation, MOM has decided to accede to the request,» the ministry said in its statement.Hsieh was appointed deputy chairman of the NWC for the 2026/27 session. He has extensive experience across the business, social and public sectors, and is currently serving as chairman of the National University of Singapore Board of Trustees and Director on the GIC Board.On Aug 11, CapitaLand Investments announced in a Singapore Exchange (SGX) filing that Hsieh has been appointed as its board's deputy chairman.The 75-year-old was formerly the chief executive of SGX, and was president of both the National Council of Social Service and Temasek Holdings.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on Monday (Aug 17) for his alleged involvement in a case of loanshark harassment in Sembawang.Police said in a news release on Tuesday that they were alerted to case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Sembawang Drive at about 8.45pm on Sunday, where the gate of the unit was affixed with a bicycle lock.Officers from Woodlands Police Division identified the man through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras. The police arrested him on the next day. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in another case of loanshark harassment at a residential unit along Jurong East Street 13. The man will be charged in court on Wednesday under the Moneylenders Act. If found guilty, the man could be fined between $5,000 and $50,000, jailed for up to five years, and receive up to six strokes of the cane.The police reiterated that they have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. 

Singapore's regulatory framework requires construction and demolition (C&D) waste to be properly processed and sorted for recycling, and such waste is not allowed to be exported for disposal, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).The agency was responding to a query from AsiaOne on Tuesday (Aug 18), following Malaysia media reports that Singapore agreed to immediately halt the export of C&D waste to Malaysia during a phone call with Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp Johor) director Zainal Fitri Ahmad on Monday.But Singapore did reaffirm during the call that it does not allow C&D waste to be exported for disposal, NEA said.It added that only homogeneous material streams such as ferrous scrap, recovered from C&D waste, are considered recyclables that can be exported, subject to the relevant regulatory requirements being met.Singapore trucks dumping wasteOver the past week, several media outlets, citing Johor officials, had reported that trucks originating from Singapore were believed to have dumped construction scraps in Johor.

Three male individuals, aged between 15 and 21, were arrested on Monday (Aug 18) for their alleged involvement in a case of motorcycle theft in Tampines.Police said in a news release on Tuesday night that they were alerted to the case at about 10pm on Sunday at a carpark along Tampines Street 83.Officers from Bedok Police Division and the Police Operations Command Centre established the identities of the trio through follow-up investigations and ground enquiries, arresting them within 15 hours of the report being made.The stolen motorcycle was also recovered.Both the 21-year-old man and a 19-year-old teenager will be charged in court on Wednesday with the offence of theft of a motor vehicle with common intent.If found guilty of the said offence, they could be jailed for up to seven years and fined.Police investigations into the 15-year-old teenager are ongoing.[[nid:742775]]editor@asiaone.com 

Michelle Zan was only seven when she first picked up the racket and shuttlecock, beginning her journey as a badminton player.Her efforts led her to become a national athlete, representing Singapore in countries across Asia and beyond.Despite the glory that comes with representing our country, she hung up the racket last year.«There were many highs and lows during my entire sporting journey that really shaped who I am today,» the 19-year-old told AsiaOne on Tuesday (Aug 18).«I wouldn't say that I had any expectation for fame or glory... I was there purely because I enjoyed playing the sport.»Now, Zan has set her sights on something completely different.On Tuesday, Zan received the Singapore Government Scholarship at the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) scholarship award ceremony, with hopes to pursue a career in the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).«There are many fundamental differences between my role as a sporting athlete and as someone in the public service,» she told us.

A netizen advocating for the wellbeing of guide dogs during the National Day Parade fireworks display said she was verbally harassed online.The Facebook user, Kay Lin, posted on Complaint Singapore Unrestricted on Monday (Aug 17) about how a man allegedly sent her a private message and called her a «f***ing slut».She alleged that the man was also a member of the Dogs Singapore Facebook group and that the message was sent in response to her advocacy regarding the welfare of guide dogs participating in this year's National Day Parade.A screenshot shared by Kay Lin appeared to show a message containing insults directed at her, including calling her a «waste of oxygen».«No wonder no guy want you. F***ing slut like you should just end your life,» the message stated.Kay Lin responded to the man's message in a Facebook post, outlining what she described as the potential effects of loud fireworks on guide dogs.«Just [because] guide dogs look calm, [it] doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering in silence [during] fireworks,» she wrote.

A man has come up with an unconventional way to deal with passengers who play music or videos loudly on public transport — he offers them free earphones.In a video shared on TikTok on Friday (Aug 14), Josh Goh is seen approaching a female bus passenger who can be heard playing a video on her phone. He then offered the woman a pair of earphones. While Goh tried to persuade her by telling her the earphones were free and brand new, she did not accept them.He took the rejection in stride, jesting that she may have turned down the earphones because they were not wireless ones.The volume on her phone, however, did die down after the exchange.Free earphonesSpeaking to 8world on Tuesday, Goh shared that the incident took place last Sunday.

Two men were taken to hospital after an accident involving two cars and a motorcycle along Loyang Avenue on Sunday (Aug 16).Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to a road traffic accident along Loyang Avenue at about 2.05am.A 31-year-old male car driver and a 20-year-old male motorcyclist were taken conscious to Changi General Hospital.The car driver was arrested for drink-driving, the police said.Footage of the accident's aftermath, shared on Facebook page SGRV Admin, shows a black car mounted on the kerb at a bus stop, appearing to have collided with a bollard.Another car was parked by the side of the road, with a motorcycle lying on the ground in front of it. 

Singapore gave themselves a lifeline in Bangkok after Harhys Stewart struck on the stroke of half-time to hand the Lions a 1-0 lead over Thailand in the second leg of their ASEAN Championship semi-final on Tuesday (Aug 18).The goal cut Thailand's aggregate advantage to 3-2 and changed the mood inside Rajamangala Stadium, leaving Gavin Lee's side needing just one more unanswered goal to force extra time.Heavy rain before kick-off had left the pitch slick and waterlogged in patches, while there were noticeable empty seats around the vast stadium as both sides settled into a cautious opening.Singapore quickly took control of possession and worked the ball forward with intent, particularly down the flanks, but struggled to find the decisive pass against a compact Thai defence.Thailand, meanwhile, were content to absorb pressure and break quickly, carrying the greater threat despite seeing less of the ball.The hosts nearly profited in the 19th minute when Patrik Gustavsson was released into space down the right and Izwan Mahbud rushed off his line to intervene. Gustavsson went to ground, but a VAR review found no foul.

Singapore beat Thailand 2-1 at Rajamangala Stadium on Tuesday (Aug 18), but their Asean Championship campaign ended at the semi-final stage after a 4-3 aggregate defeat.The Lions had given themselves hope when Harhys Stewart struck just before half-time to cut Thailand's aggregate lead to 3-2, but a second-half penalty converted by Kakana Khamyok restored the hosts' two-goal cushion. Singapore responded almost immediately when Ryhan Stewart's dangerous low delivery across the six-yard box was turned into his own net by Pansa Hemviboon, reducing the aggregate deficit to one goal and setting up a tense finish.Singapore, however, could not find the goal they needed to force extra time.Heavy rain before kick-off had left the Rajamangala pitch slick, and drizzle returned in the second half as Gavin Lee's side chased a route back into the tie.Singapore started positively and enjoyed most of the early possession, moving the ball down both flanks, although Thailand looked the more dangerous side on the counter.