Singapore



Temporary facility to provide space for 500 more congregants at Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris

A temporary prayer space will be set up in Pasir Ris to meet growing demand for Friday prayers, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. Speaking at the annual Minister's Hari Raya Get-Together on Friday (April 10), Assoc Prof Fa
Singapore

Temporary facility to provide space for 500 more congregants at Al-Istighfar Mosque in Pasir Ris

A temporary prayer space will be set up in Pasir Ris to meet growing demand for Friday prayers, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. Speaking at the annual Minister's Hari Raya Get-Together on Friday (April 10), Assoc Prof Faishal said that the temporary space will be set up directly opposite Al-Istighfar Mosque and be ready by the fourth quarter of this year.The new space will be able to accommodate around 500 congregants for Friday prayers, on top of the existing capacity for 3,300 people at Al-Istighfar Mosque.The temporary space is a response to the «pressing need for prayer spaces» from Pasir Ris residents as well as workers from the Loyang and Changi Industrial areas, Assoc Prof Faishal said.«We will support the community's request and ensure that everyone has a safe and comfortable space for their prayers,» he said, adding that the temporary space will remain in operation until the new mosque at Tampines North opens.

New economic resilience committee to help Malay/Muslims succeed in changing economy: Faishal Ibrahim

A new committee will be established to strengthen the economic resilience of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community, and prepare it for the future economy.This was announced by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim during the annual Minister
Singapore

New economic resilience committee to help Malay/Muslims succeed in changing economy: Faishal Ibrahim

A new committee will be established to strengthen the economic resilience of Singapore's Malay/Muslim community, and prepare it for the future economy.This was announced by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim during the annual Minister's Hari Raya Get-Together on Friday (April 10) evening.At the event, Assoc Prof Faishal said members of the Malay/Muslim community are also concerned about how the workforce and businesses can adapt and thrive in the new economy.Pointing to the Economy Strategy Review's (ESR) mid-term update in January, which set out seven recommendations from a government-led review of Singapore's economy, Assoc Prof Faishal said employees have expressed concerns about how they can use and benefit from artificial intelligence (AI), including navigating a more competitive job landscape.

Singaporean man deported from Cambodia to be charged over alleged role in scam operations

A Singaporean man will be charged in court over his alleged involvement in overseas scam operations and money mule offences.The 29-year-old suspect was arrested by police officers upon arrival in Singapore on Friday (April 10) following his deportation from C
Singapore

Singaporean man deported from Cambodia to be charged over alleged role in scam operations

A Singaporean man will be charged in court over his alleged involvement in overseas scam operations and money mule offences.The 29-year-old suspect was arrested by police officers upon arrival in Singapore on Friday (April 10) following his deportation from Cambodia, said the police in a press release on the same day. The man had allegedly been involved in overseas scam operations and money mule offences between May 2021 and March 2022, before leaving Singapore. During that period, he purportedly abetted another person to open personal and corporate bank accounts to assist a scam syndicate to secure access to the bank's internet banking system by facilitating the sharing of login details, one-time passwords and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. According to the police, the bank accounts were used to receive illicit funds from scam activities. The man was subsequently arrested by Cambodian authorities for his alleged involvement in an online scam syndicate in March this year and detained in Cambodia over immigration offences before being deported to Singapore. 

Transit rights: An international principle that cannot be negotiated

In an increasingly uncertain world, geopolitical developments in the Middle East have once again reminded us that maritime routes are not just lines on a map. They are the lifeblood of global trade, energy security, and economic stability. For Singapore, a sm
Singapore

Transit rights: An international principle that cannot be negotiated

In an increasingly uncertain world, geopolitical developments in the Middle East have once again reminded us that maritime routes are not just lines on a map. They are the lifeblood of global trade, energy security, and economic stability. For Singapore, a small nation highly dependent on trade, navigational rights and freedoms are not an option, but an existential necessity.As Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan emphasised in his statement in Parliament this week on the energy supply crisis, conflicts in the Middle East have direct impacts on Singapore, from rising energy prices to disruptions to global supply chains. Instability along one strategic route can have far-reaching effects throughout our region.

Traffic police commander Daniel Tan to lead Gambling Regulatory Authority from June 2

Traffic police commander Daniel Tan Sin Heng will take over as chief executive of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) on June 2, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced in a press release on Friday (April 10).Tan, 54, who holds the rank of Senior Ass
Singapore

Traffic police commander Daniel Tan to lead Gambling Regulatory Authority from June 2

Traffic police commander Daniel Tan Sin Heng will take over as chief executive of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) on June 2, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced in a press release on Friday (April 10).Tan, 54, who holds the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SAC), will take over the leadership baton from Teo Chun Ching, who is concurrently Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) for Policy. SAC Tan joined the Singapore Police Force in 1996 and has held key appointments in departments across the Home Team, including as Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Transformation at the Singapore Prison Service, director of planning and organisation, and commander of the Central Police Division.He is credited with driving major legislative changes that strengthened road safety, such as revisions to the demerit points system and expansion of speed limiter requirements for heavy vehicles.

TP, NEA, LTA conduct joint enforcement operation against errant motorcyclists; 10 riders arrested

The Traffic Police (TP), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducted a multi-agency enforcement operation against errant motorcyclists along Admiralty Road West last Tuesday (March 31). More than 300 motorcyclists were
Singapore

TP, NEA, LTA conduct joint enforcement operation against errant motorcyclists; 10 riders arrested

The Traffic Police (TP), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducted a multi-agency enforcement operation against errant motorcyclists along Admiralty Road West last Tuesday (March 31). More than 300 motorcyclists were stopped for checks during the operation said the police in a news release on April 10. A total of 10 people aged between 24 and 61 were arrested by TP for riding without a valid licence and using a vehicle without insurance coverage.Meanwhile, 44 summonses were issued by NEA for offences involving excessive vehicular emission and excessive noise. And 40 summonses were issued by LTA for offences such as improper licence plate, expired road tax and decorative lamps. The police reminded motorists entering Singapore, including those driving and riding foreign-registered vehicles, that they must comply with Singapore's traffic laws and vehicle regulations. Errant motorists may face penalties and foreign-registered vehicles may be denied entry into Singapore.

Singapore, Australia assure each other on refined fuels and LNG supply

Australia has given Singapore assurance over the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) amid energy disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said on Friday (April 10).Speaking at a joint press conference with his Aust
Singapore

Singapore, Australia assure each other on refined fuels and LNG supply

Australia has given Singapore assurance over the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) amid energy disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said on Friday (April 10).Speaking at a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, PM Wong, who is also finance minister, added that Singapore will continue to supply refined fuels to Australia as long as upstream supplies continue.Both countries are also working to translate this commitment into action with a legally-binding agreement. «In a more fractured and volatile world, we choose to stay open and we choose to stand together,» said PM Wong. «Through the strength of our partnership, I am confident that Singapore and Australia will not just get through this crisis, but we will emerge stronger and more resilient.»The visit comes after Singapore and Australia pledged in March to work together to ensure that key goods such as LNG and refined fuels, including diesel, continue to flow between the two countries.Singapore generates about 95 per cent of its electricity using imported natural gas.

IMDA expands support for fresh graduates pursuing careers in tech

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is significantly ramping up support for fresh information and digital technology (IDT) graduates by expanding the TechSkills Accelerator for Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics (TIP) Alliance to in
Singapore

IMDA expands support for fresh graduates pursuing careers in tech

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is significantly ramping up support for fresh information and digital technology (IDT) graduates by expanding the TechSkills Accelerator for Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics (TIP) Alliance to include university students.

Bought in 2023 for $172.5m, sold for $250m — Thomson Plaza retail block deal explained

A 109,854 sq ft retail space at Thomson Plaza has been sold for $250 million, in a deal jointly brokered by Cushman & Wakefield and Savills. The retail space, named Swing By @ Thomson Plaza, is a multi-concept retail section within the Upper Thomson
Singapore

Bought in 2023 for $172.5m, sold for $250m — Thomson Plaza retail block deal explained

A 109,854 sq ft retail space at Thomson Plaza has been sold for $250 million, in a deal jointly brokered by Cushman & Wakefield and Savills. The retail space, named Swing By @ Thomson Plaza, is a multi-concept retail section within the Upper Thomson Road shopping mall.The sale price translates to approximately $2,276 psf based on the property’s net lettable area (NLA) of 109,854 sq ft, and represents a 23per cent premium to the property’s most recent book valuation of $202.6 million.The buyers are Jack Investment and Pangjwee Development, according to an announcement by Link REIT who sold the retail space. The transaction is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.Jack Investment’s primary asset is Leisure Park Kallang, an entertainment and retail centre at Stadium Walk near the Singapore Sports Hub, which it acquired in 2003 and subsequently redeveloped in 2006.Link REIT, a Hong Kong-listed real estate investment trust, acquired Swing By @ Thomson Plaza for $172.5 million, or approximately $1,568 psf based on the NLA, in March 2023.

Woman, 30, charged after she allegedly had sex with 15-year-old boy multiple times in Yishun flat

A woman who allegedly had sex with an underaged boy multiple times in October last year was charged in court on Thursday (April 9).Foo Jin Wen, 30, faces two counts of sexual penetration involving a minor as the boy was 15 years old at the time.She allegedly
Singapore

Woman, 30, charged after she allegedly had sex with 15-year-old boy multiple times in Yishun flat

A woman who allegedly had sex with an underaged boy multiple times in October last year was charged in court on Thursday (April 9).Foo Jin Wen, 30, faces two counts of sexual penetration involving a minor as the boy was 15 years old at the time.She allegedly had sex with the boy four times within the month in a HDB flat in Yishun.He also allegedly sexually penetrated her in the same unit that month, The Straits Times reported.Court documents did not disclose how the woman was linked to the underage boy.Foo's next court mention will be on May 7.[[nid:732890]]khooyihang@asiaone.com

Police seeking information on missing 14-year-old male teen last seen in Bedok

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 14-year-old male teenager, Daryl Tan Jing Kang.In a news release on Friday (April 10) morning, the police said he was last seen in the vicinity of Block 25 New Upper Changi Road at about 5.15pm
Singapore

Police seeking information on missing 14-year-old male teen last seen in Bedok

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 14-year-old male teenager, Daryl Tan Jing Kang.In a news release on Friday (April 10) morning, the police said he was last seen in the vicinity of Block 25 New Upper Changi Road at about 5.15pm on Thursday.He was wearing a black shirt and black pants.Those with information are urged to contact the police hotline at 999 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.All information will be kept strictly confidential, the police said.[[nid:732837]]editor@asiaone.com 

Singapore-listed Olam Group CEO, CFO to step down, focus on Saudi-backed Olam Agri

Singapore's Olam Group said on Friday founder and CEO Sunny Verghese, along with several senior executives, will step later down this month, as the conglomerate presses ahead with a reorganisation plan to split into separate operating businesses.The company h
Singapore

Singapore-listed Olam Group CEO, CFO to step down, focus on Saudi-backed Olam Agri

Singapore's Olam Group said on Friday founder and CEO Sunny Verghese, along with several senior executives, will step later down this month, as the conglomerate presses ahead with a reorganisation plan to split into separate operating businesses.The company has been undergoing a transformation since 2020, reorganising its operations into three distinct units: Olam Agri, ingredients maker ofi, and Remaining Olam Group. The restructuring aims to simplify the corporate structure, reduce debt levels and give investors clearer visibility into each business segment.Verghese, who co-founded Olam nearly four decades ago, will relinquish his role as group CEO at the conclusion of the company's annual meeting on April 27. He, however, will remain chief executive of Olam Agri, the food staples and grains division that is in the process of being sold to Saudi agricultural investment firm SALIC.Olam said on Friday (April 10) that Chairman Lim Ah Doo will also step down, while CFO N Muthukumar will exit, joining Verghese to help run Olam Agri as the COO, which he assumed since March 2025.

Passenger 'offended' by sign in PHV car: 'I won't speak English to Chinese people'

A passenger said they felt «slightly offended» during a private-hire vehicle (PHV) ride after noticing a sign stating that the driver would only speak Mandarin to Chinese passengers.In a TikTok posted on Tuesday (April 7), user @aliciatadah was se
Singapore

Passenger 'offended' by sign in PHV car: 'I won't speak English to Chinese people'

A passenger said they felt «slightly offended» during a private-hire vehicle (PHV) ride after noticing a sign stating that the driver would only speak Mandarin to Chinese passengers.In a TikTok posted on Tuesday (April 7), user @aliciatadah was seated in a PHV vehicle with her husband and looked visibly confused as she pointed at a sign written in Chinese hanging from the driver's seat. The incident took place on Sunday (April 5) as they were on the way home from Kallang. It read: «If you're Chinese, please speak Chinese. I don't speak in English to Chinese people. Sorry!»She added that her husband, who is Peranakan Chinese but cannot read and speak Mandarin well, was saddened by the sign. «Is this race discrimination? Also, what happened to all Singaporeans conversing in basic English so we have racial harmony,» captioned the post. In another post on Wednesday (April 8), the passenger shared that she booked a Grab ride, and when she greeted the driver and confirmed the location, as she usually does, the driver merely grunted at her. 

Transport service providers to receive temporary Govt support amid higher fuel prices

Transport service providers will receive temporary support from the Government between April and June to defray rising operational costs due to higher fuel prices and ensure continued operation in the near term. Government contracted or subsidised transp
Singapore

Transport service providers to receive temporary Govt support amid higher fuel prices

Transport service providers will receive temporary support from the Government between April and June to defray rising operational costs due to higher fuel prices and ensure continued operation in the near term. Government contracted or subsidised transport service providers will receive the equivalent of 13 per cent of transport fare revenues during the three-month period, said the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a joint statement on Thursday (April 9). Transport service providers «should keep fares stable during this period», the ministries said, adding that transport fares may have to rise if fuel prices remain elevated beyond June.Additionally, there are existing subsidies to support students, seniors, patients and persons with disabilities if they are not able to afford their transport.School bus operatorsFor the school bus sector, MOE will provide support to operators providing services for primary schools and special education (SPED) schools.

ICA 'flags down' Malaysia taxi at Woodlands Checkpoint; finds vapes, duty-unpaid cigarettes

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers «flagged down» a Malaysia-registered taxi at Woodlands Checkpoint on April 3, but not because they needed a ride.Pictures posted by ICA on its social media show a yellow cross-border taxi and a
Singapore

ICA 'flags down' Malaysia taxi at Woodlands Checkpoint; finds vapes, duty-unpaid cigarettes

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers «flagged down» a Malaysia-registered taxi at Woodlands Checkpoint on April 3, but not because they needed a ride.Pictures posted by ICA on its social media show a yellow cross-border taxi and a haversack filled with e-vaporisers.ICA said that the vehicle, driven by a 70-year-old Malaysian man, with two passengers aged 28 and 72, was profiled and directed for enhanced checks.During the checks, ICA's search and examination officers found over 40 e-vaporisers and related components, and 26 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes in the haversack of the 28-year-old male Singaporean passenger.He was arrested and the cases referred to the Health Sciences Authority and Singapore Customs respectively.Parliament on March 6 passed new anti-vaping laws, which will come into force on May 1.

Malaysia armed forces chief in Singapore for introductory visit

Malaysia's Armed Forces chief Malek Razak Sulaiman is on a three-day visit to Singapore till Friday (April 10).In a statement on Thursday night, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said General Malek is making his introductory visit to Singapore after becoming t
Singapore

Malaysia armed forces chief in Singapore for introductory visit

Malaysia's Armed Forces chief Malek Razak Sulaiman is on a three-day visit to Singapore till Friday (April 10).In a statement on Thursday night, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said General Malek is making his introductory visit to Singapore after becoming the 24th armed forces chief on Feb 1. «Both countries' armed forces interact regularly through a wide range of activities, including bilateral exercises, visits and professional exchanges, cross attendance of courses, as well as through multilateral platforms like the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), and ADMM-Plus,» Mindef said.It added that such interactions have strengthened professional ties and mutual understanding between both armed forces, and have contributed to regional security and stability.General Malek called on Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Thursday morning.

Shell drops petrol by 4 cents, holds diesel unchanged as oil prices fall back below US$100

Amidst a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Brent oil prices fell back below US$100 per barrel on Wednesday (April 8), continuing into Thursday, with Shell becoming the first fuel company here to calibrate petrol prices d
Singapore

Shell drops petrol by 4 cents, holds diesel unchanged as oil prices fall back below US$100

Amidst a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Brent oil prices fell back below US$100 per barrel on Wednesday (April 8), continuing into Thursday, with Shell becoming the first fuel company here to calibrate petrol prices downwards — by 4 cents. But it has kept its diesel price unchanged, at $4.68.Shell's adjustment also moves its posted price for the popular 95-octane petrol back to the $3.42 per litre mark, last set in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.As at 6pm, no other fuel company has adjusted pump prices.

Cyclist, 30, injured after being hit by car at pedestrian crossing in Geylang

A 30-year-old male cyclist was injured after a car collided into him at a pedestrian crossing in Geylang on Wednesday (April 8) night. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the acc
Singapore

Cyclist, 30, injured after being hit by car at pedestrian crossing in Geylang

A 30-year-old male cyclist was injured after a car collided into him at a pedestrian crossing in Geylang on Wednesday (April 8) night. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted to the accident at the junction of Sims Way and Geylang Road at around 10.10pm. Dashcam footage of the incident was posted online by Facebook page SGRV Admin.The victim, dressed in a red top and white bottom, is seen cycling across the crossing when a car turns right and collides into him. The cyclist stands up and walks back to the pavement before lying down on the ground. He was taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The 73-year-old male car driver is assisting with investigations, said the police.[[nid:733091]]esther.lam@asiaone.com 

Normal service on Circle Line resumes on April 10; shorter service on weekends till May 17

Normal train services on the Circle Line will resume on Friday (April 10) as tunnel strengthening works at affected stations were completed nine days ahead of schedule.The stations are Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations. Peak-period shuttle buse
Singapore

Normal service on Circle Line resumes on April 10; shorter service on weekends till May 17

Normal train services on the Circle Line will resume on Friday (April 10) as tunnel strengthening works at affected stations were completed nine days ahead of schedule.The stations are Mountbatten, Dakota and Paya Lebar stations. Peak-period shuttle buses servicing the affected stations will operate at a reduced frequency before ceasing operation after April 13.With tunnel strengthening works completed, LTA will proceed with the final systems integration testing works in preparation for the opening of the final three Circle Line stations which is slated for mid-2026.As such, train services on the entire Circle Line will be shortened on weekends between April 11 and May 17, providing necessary engineering hours needed for safe and rigorous testing and commissioning of the train systems.Train services will end earlier at 11pm on Saturdays and start later at 9am on Sundays, said LTA and SMRT.With the shortened service hours, shuttle bus services will be provided on Sunday mornings between 5am and 9am.

Australia PM Anthony Albanese to make 3-day official visit to Singapore

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on a three-day official visit to Singapore from Thursday (April 9) to April 11.Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Thursday that the visit reaffirms the bilateral relations between
Singapore

Australia PM Anthony Albanese to make 3-day official visit to Singapore

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on a three-day official visit to Singapore from Thursday (April 9) to April 11.Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Thursday that the visit reaffirms the bilateral relations between the two countries.«Prime Minister Albanese's visit reaffirms the excellent state of bilateral relations underpinned by the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2.0 launched by Prime Minister Wong and Prime Minister Albanese in October 2025,» MFA said.The two countries upgraded bilateral relations on the 60th year of diplomatic ties during PM Wong's visit to Australia in October last year.

Peregrine falcon fledgling found grounded at South Bridge Road takes flight again

After a day-long detour and health check-up, one of the three remaining peregrine falcon chicks that made a recess in OCBC Centre their home took flight once more on Wednesday (April 8), according to the National Parks Board (NParks).The fledgling, tagged as
Singapore

Peregrine falcon fledgling found grounded at South Bridge Road takes flight again

After a day-long detour and health check-up, one of the three remaining peregrine falcon chicks that made a recess in OCBC Centre their home took flight once more on Wednesday (April 8), according to the National Parks Board (NParks).The fledgling, tagged as «G00» by NParks via a green tag around its leg, was found by the public at South Bridge Road a day prior.NParks shared with the media that falcon G00 was found on Tuesday evening and promptly picked up by NParks contractors who then brought it to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation.The bird was responsive to food, which is «always a good sign», said Dr Malcom Soh, the principal researcher for Wildlife Management Research at NParks.«Just this morning, when they checked it, it was still active and doing well,» Dr Soh told the media on Wednesday. «That's why we're able to release it today.»Before they let the bird go, however, NParks placed a Bluetooth tracker on the falcon's tail feathers.This tracker is not a permanent addition, Dr Soh assured, explaining that the object weighs around two grams and will drop off as the bird ages and moults.

251 scam suspects investigated following police operation; victims lost over $3.9 million

A total of 172 men and 79 women, aged between 16 and 84, are under investigation for their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules following a island-wide operation from March 26 to April 8. In a statement on Thursday (April 9), police
Singapore

251 scam suspects investigated following police operation; victims lost over $3.9 million

A total of 172 men and 79 women, aged between 16 and 84, are under investigation for their suspected involvement in scams as scammers or money mules following a island-wide operation from March 26 to April 8. In a statement on Thursday (April 9), police said the operation involved officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and seven Police Land Divisions, and it targeted suspects believed to be linked to more than 665 scam cases.These scams include e-commerce, friend impersonation, job, government official impersonation, investment, and rental.Victims reportedly lost a total of over $3.9 million.The alleged offenders are being investigated for cheating, money laundering, and providing payment services without a licence.The offence of cheating carries up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine, while money laundering carries up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.Since Dec 30 last year, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to 24 strokes. 

Migrant worker wins $5,700 overtime pay after 2-year fight as High Court cites unlawful practice

SINGAPORE — A migrant worker has won a two-year legal battle after the High Court overturned a lower tribunal's ruling and ordered his former employer to pay more than $5,700 in overtime.In a decision on April 7, High Court Justice Philip Jeyaretnam allowe
Singapore

Migrant worker wins $5,700 overtime pay after 2-year fight as High Court cites unlawful practice

SINGAPORE — A migrant worker has won a two-year legal battle after the High Court overturned a lower tribunal's ruling and ordered his former employer to pay more than $5,700 in overtime.In a decision on April 7, High Court Justice Philip Jeyaretnam allowed an appeal by Indian national Gena Hulash Ram against Lim Joo Huat Enterprise, finding the company's treatment of overtime pay unlawful.The case turned on whether a fixed monthly allowance could be used to offset overtime pay. The court ruled that it could not, finding the approach incompatible with Singapore's employment laws.Mr Gena worked as a packer for the fresh produce wholesaler from December 2022 to August 2023.Before he was hired, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issued an in-principle approval letter stating his basic salary as $1,000 a month, with two allowances: $200 for housing and $300 for «others». His total fixed monthly pay was $1,500. The letter also set his overtime salary rate at $7.87 per hour.The unspecified «others» allowance became the crux of the dispute.[[nid:733254]]

Bloomberg's lawyer denies Shanmugam was targeted in article

SINGAPORE – The lawyer defending Bloomberg in an ongoing defamation trial said on April 8 that an article it ran on high-value property transactions was not targeted at Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam.Senior Counsel N. Sreenivasan c
Singapore

Bloomberg's lawyer denies Shanmugam was targeted in article

SINGAPORE – The lawyer defending Bloomberg in an ongoing defamation trial said on April 8 that an article it ran on high-value property transactions was not targeted at Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam.Senior Counsel N. Sreenivasan contended that good class bungalow (GCB) transactions are routinely reported by mainstream media, and that issues relating to landed properties are a matter of public interest in Singapore.The lawyer cited a few high-profile GCB transactions that were reported in The Straits Times.They include the sale of a Cluny Hill bungalow that was owned by Dr Lee Wei Ling, daughter of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, to Mr Shi Yonghong, the co-founder of hotpot chain Haidilao, for $50 million.He also cited the sale of a bungalow in Nassim Road to the wife of the founder of Nanofilm Technologies International, a local nanotechnology solutions company.Ms Jin Xiao Qun had bought the property from businesswoman Oei Siu Hoa, also known as Sukmawati Widjaja, for $128.8 million.

Singapore welcomes Middle East ceasefire, supports restoring Strait of Hormuz traffic

Singapore welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East, and the commitment under the ceasefire to restoring shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.The war, now in its sixth week, has claimed more than 5,000 lives in nearly a doz
Singapore

Singapore welcomes Middle East ceasefire, supports restoring Strait of Hormuz traffic

Singapore welcomes the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East, and the commitment under the ceasefire to restoring shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.The war, now in its sixth week, has claimed more than 5,000 lives in nearly a dozen countries, including at least 1,600 civilians in Iran, according to a Reuters report based on tallies from government sources and human rights reports.Pakistani sources have purportedly said mediation efforts to halt the war nearly collapsed as Iran struck a Saudi petrochemical facility on Tuesday, but the country's military and civilian leadership continued speaking to senior United State and Iranian, Saudi and other officials until Trump announced the breakthrough.

Rent hikes at Goodman Arts Centre to be deferred amid increased economic uncertainty from Middle East conflict

Higher rental rates at Goodman Arts Centre initially planned for 2026 will be deferred to support tenants amid heightened economic uncertainty due to ongoing Middle East tensions, said Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng.Speaking
Singapore

Rent hikes at Goodman Arts Centre to be deferred amid increased economic uncertainty from Middle East conflict

Higher rental rates at Goodman Arts Centre initially planned for 2026 will be deferred to support tenants amid heightened economic uncertainty due to ongoing Middle East tensions, said Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng.Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (April 8), Baey was responding to a question by Mountbatten MP Gho Sze Kee who asked if there were any measures in place to help tenants as rental prices were set to «increase significantly».Rental rates at Goodman Arts Centre are decided by Arts House Group (AHG), a public company under the National Arts Council (NAC).Goodman Arts Centre houses a total of 77 units — including short-term venues and longer-term housing options. Out of the lot, 26 are project studios offering flexible short-term tenancies of up to 12 months for artists who have project-specific needs. The remaining 51 units are under the Framework for Arts Spaces scheme, which supports arts groups for up to nine years, and is subsidised by NAC by up to 80 per cent.

Teen, 18, to be charged for allegedly stealing motorcycle from carpark in Bidadari

An 18-year-old male teenager was arrested for allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a carpark in Bidadari. In a press release on Wednesday (April 8), the police said they were alerted to the theft on April 2 at 2.30pm. The motorcycle had been parked
Singapore

Teen, 18, to be charged for allegedly stealing motorcycle from carpark in Bidadari

An 18-year-old male teenager was arrested for allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a carpark in Bidadari. In a press release on Wednesday (April 8), the police said they were alerted to the theft on April 2 at 2.30pm. The motorcycle had been parked at a carpark in the vicinity of Block 101A Bidadari Park Drive. Officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division identified the teenager with the aid of images from police cameras and arrested him on Tuesday. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was able to start the motorcycle as its transponder had been left inside a storage compartment. The stolen vehicle was subsequently recovered, and the teenager will be charged in court on Thursday.If found guilty of vehicle theft, he faces a jail term of up to seven years along with a fine. [[nid:733254]]dana.leong@asiaone.com  No part of this story can be reproduced without the permission of AsiaOne.

Govt to reduce electricity consumption across its facilities amid impact of Middle East crisis

The Government is taking the lead to conserve energy and contribute towards Singapore's energy resilience amidst global fuel supply chains being disrupted by the Middle East conflict.«All ministries, departments, organs of state and statutory boards hav
Singapore

Govt to reduce electricity consumption across its facilities amid impact of Middle East crisis

The Government is taking the lead to conserve energy and contribute towards Singapore's energy resilience amidst global fuel supply chains being disrupted by the Middle East conflict.«All ministries, departments, organs of state and statutory boards have been directed to adopt energy conservation measures to reduce electricity consumption across government facilities where practicable, while balancing operational needs,» said the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) in a joint press release on Wednesday (April 8).The directive follows Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's message to Singaporeans on April 2.In his message, PM Wong urged Singaporeans to «stand together» to take practical steps to conserve energy and reduce unnecessary consumption and waste. PM Wong also pointed out that while these may seem like «small steps», they can make a real difference when taken together. 

FairPrice to freeze prices for 100 daily essentials until 31 May, double discounts for CHAS cardholders

Supermarket operator FairPrice Group (FPG) will implement a price freeze for 100 of its most popular daily essentials to cushion the rising cost of living amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.The price freeze will last from April 9 to May 31, and feature pan
Singapore

FairPrice to freeze prices for 100 daily essentials until 31 May, double discounts for CHAS cardholders

Supermarket operator FairPrice Group (FPG) will implement a price freeze for 100 of its most popular daily essentials to cushion the rising cost of living amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.The price freeze will last from April 9 to May 31, and feature pantry staples such as housebrand rice, oil, eggs, fresh and frozen pork and chicken, Milo, milk and detergent, said FPG in a press release on Wednesday (April 8).Data from FPG shows that nine out of 10 Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange customers purchase products from its basket of 100 essentials.«This price freeze is part of FPG's wider commitment to keep daily essentials within reach for all, amidst the growing impact of economic and geopolitical volatility on Singaporeans' daily lives,» said the group.To further support vulnerable communities, Blue and Orange CHAS cardholders will also receive double the amount of discounts — from three to six per cent — during the price freeze.The additional discounts will be supported by FairPrice Foundation, which is FPG's philanthropic arm.

Drink containers without deposit mark cannot be returned via machine; recycle it, urges BCRS

Slightly over a week after the beverage container return scheme (BCRS) kicked in, the scheme's licensed operator said it has received feedback that some members of public are unable to return their containers via the Return Right machines.In a Facebook post o
Singapore

Drink containers without deposit mark cannot be returned via machine; recycle it, urges BCRS

Slightly over a week after the beverage container return scheme (BCRS) kicked in, the scheme's licensed operator said it has received feedback that some members of public are unable to return their containers via the Return Right machines.In a Facebook post on Wednesday (April 8), the operator said the most likely cause of containers being rejected is because they do not have a deposit mark. The deposit mark on an empty beverage container. PHOTO: AsiaOne/Ong Chin Wee Although some 1,070 Return Right machines have been deployed across Singapore since April 1, most supermarkets, shops and food centres are likely to be clearing existing stocks of beverage containers that do not have the deposit mark.

TikTokers slam netizens for 'misogynistic' comments on Naomi Neo's alleged assault incident

TikTokers called out netizens who made «misogynistic» comments about Naomi Neo's alleged sexual harassment incident, slamming commenters who questioned if the influencer was «pretty enough» to be targeted.On April 4, the content creato
Singapore

TikTokers slam netizens for 'misogynistic' comments on Naomi Neo's alleged assault incident

TikTokers called out netizens who made «misogynistic» comments about Naomi Neo's alleged sexual harassment incident, slamming commenters who questioned if the influencer was «pretty enough» to be targeted.On April 4, the content creator said in an Instagram post that she had been molested at a flea market event at Aperia Mall, confirming that a police report had been made.The incident drew an overwhelming response online, with many netizens expressing concern. However, others questioned whether the incident had really occurred, making disparaging remarks about the influencer.«Wear modestly and it will solve these kind of problems,» one netizen commented, while another accused her of «grabbing attention».One even asked why the person would «want to touch her».'Why is sexual assault so normalised in Singapore?': TikToker slams disparaging commentsTikToker @fu.wari slammed the netizens who made such remarks in a post, which has since been taken down.«Why is sexual assault so normalised in Singapore? I just don't get it,» she said, adding that such incidents were common in the country.

Jail, caning for man who was an auxiliary cop when he carried loaded firearm in public

SINGAPORE — An off-duty Certis auxiliary policeman arrested at a shopping mall with a loaded service revolver in his possession in 2024 told investigators he had wanted to kill himself after his girlfriend broke up with him over his gambling habit.Heng Jun
Singapore

Jail, caning for man who was an auxiliary cop when he carried loaded firearm in public

SINGAPORE — An off-duty Certis auxiliary policeman arrested at a shopping mall with a loaded service revolver in his possession in 2024 told investigators he had wanted to kill himself after his girlfriend broke up with him over his gambling habit.Heng Jun Hao, 29, who was arrested at Bugis+ mall following a police search that involved more than 100 officers, was sentenced to six years, six months and two weeks' jail and six strokes of the cane on April 8.He had pleaded guilty to two charges — unlawful possession of a firearm and a separate charge of committing mischief — in October 2025.In an earlier statement, Certis, a security company, said that Heng was suspended after he was first arrested in May 2024.Deputy Public Prosecutor Koh Yi Wen told the court that Heng had been gambling since he was 20 years old and the habit had worsened over the years. He later promised his girlfriend that he would quit gambling.Heng joined Certis as an auxiliary policeman in October 2023 and was later deployed to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore at Changi Airport.

Vivian Balakrishnan on why Singapore will not negotiate on tolls, safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

Singapore will not engage in negotiations for safe passage of ships or on toll rates because it goes against the right of transit passage set out in international law, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday (April 7).He was respon
Singapore

Vivian Balakrishnan on why Singapore will not negotiate on tolls, safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

Singapore will not engage in negotiations for safe passage of ships or on toll rates because it goes against the right of transit passage set out in international law, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday (April 7).He was responding to a parliamentary question by MP Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied GRC), who had asked if the Government is engaging the Iranian authorities to secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz for Singapore-flagged vessels.The MP cited the example of Malaysia, which recently confirmed that one of its seven commercial vessels has safely transited the waterway following high-level diplomatic engagements, including telephone conversations between Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian.Fadli also asked if Singapore will be open to paying a toll to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

This made my day: Motorcyclists team up to remove fallen tree along PIE

Two motorcyclists teamed up to move a small tree that had fallen due to the rainy weather on the expressway on Tuesday (April 7). The incident took place along the PIE near the Stevens road exit at about 9.30am. Dashcam footage of the incident poste
Singapore

This made my day: Motorcyclists team up to remove fallen tree along PIE

Two motorcyclists teamed up to move a small tree that had fallen due to the rainy weather on the expressway on Tuesday (April 7). The incident took place along the PIE near the Stevens road exit at about 9.30am. Dashcam footage of the incident posted on Instagram the same day shows a motorcyclist stopping before a fallen tree that was blocking the left-most lane. Another motorcyclist had also stopped to help remove the obstruction. After successfully pushing the tree off the road, the two riders continued on their journey. The post cheekily captioned: «Call me a saint cause I'm going back up to heaven after this one, all in a day's work.» The dashcam footage owner, identified as Jerry, told AsiaOne that it took them roughly three minutes to move the tree off of the road. He added that the roads were very wet and slippery due to the pouring rain, which noticeably reduced visibility. «The interesting thing was actually how there were zero words exchanged the entire time, we only said goodbyes at the end,» he said. 

Community care workers can expect pay hike of about 7% or more for most roles: MOH

More than 23,000 healthcare workers in Singapore's community care sector could see pay increases of about 7 per cent or more for most jobs, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday (April 8).Under the revised guidelines, for example, a staff nurse who e
Singapore

Community care workers can expect pay hike of about 7% or more for most roles: MOH

More than 23,000 healthcare workers in Singapore's community care sector could see pay increases of about 7 per cent or more for most jobs, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday (April 8).Under the revised guidelines, for example, a staff nurse who earned a median monthly salary of $4,420 in 2024 would see this increase to about $4,980 in 2026.Similarly, the median monthly salary for pharmacists is projected to rise from $4,780 in 2024 to about $5,400 in 2026.MOH said the updated guidelines, first introduced in 2024, aim to help Community Care Organisations (CCOs) attract and retain talent by maintaining the sector’s market competitiveness and enhancing transparency for both jobseekers and employees.«Community care staff play an important part in Singapore's healthcare system, especially as MOH right-sites care from acute hospitals to community settings,» the ministry said. "CCOs should use the guidelines to enhance fairness in pay structures and salaries within their respective organisations and sector.

Get more results via ClueGoal