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'Grateful to be away from the tensions': Tearful reunions at Changi T3 as more Singaporeans return from Middle East

For a second night running, scenes of tearful but joyful reunion played out at Changi Airport Terminal 3, as some 167 Singaporeans and their dependents landed safely in Singapore from Muscat, Oman on Sunday (March 8) night.Along with the 152 persons who retur
Singapore

'Grateful to be away from the tensions': Tearful reunions at Changi T3 as more Singaporeans return from Middle East

For a second night running, scenes of tearful but joyful reunion played out at Changi Airport Terminal 3, as some 167 Singaporeans and their dependents landed safely in Singapore from Muscat, Oman on Sunday (March 8) night.Along with the 152 persons who returned home on Saturday, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has reunited 319 Singaporeans and their dependents with their families, for now — with plans underway to dispatch a third repatriation flight from Saudi Arabia later this week.

Motorcyclist escapes death after colliding with car, nearly run over by minibus in Sengkang

A motorcyclist had a close shave with death after colliding with a car and narrowly avoiding a passing minibus in Sengkang on Friday (March 6).Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to an accide
Singapore

Motorcyclist escapes death after colliding with car, nearly run over by minibus in Sengkang

A motorcyclist had a close shave with death after colliding with a car and narrowly avoiding a passing minibus in Sengkang on Friday (March 6).Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police and Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to an accident involving a car, a minibus and a motorcycle along Sengkang East Road towards Punggol Way at about 7.05pm.A 56-year-old male motorcyclist was taken conscious to Sengkang General Hospital and is assisting with investigations. Police investigations are ongoing.In a video shared on a Facebook page for Grab delivery riders, a motorcyclist is seen riding along a road before turning right.As he approaches a red light, he appears to slow down but fails to brake in time and crashes into a car stopped in front of him, before falling sideways onto the road.At the same time, a white minibus passes on his left, coming dangerously close to the fallen motorcyclist and narrowly missing him before stopping.

Very heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints over March school holidays, Hari Raya Puasa weekend

Planning a trip to Malaysia for the March school holidays or to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa?You may want to reconsider, as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has warned of very heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from March 13 to 22 i
Singapore

Very heavy traffic expected at land checkpoints over March school holidays, Hari Raya Puasa weekend

Planning a trip to Malaysia for the March school holidays or to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa?You may want to reconsider, as the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has warned of very heavy traffic at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from March 13 to 22 in a travel advisory issued on March 9.Travellers might also experience longer queues at immigration as the authority continues its stepped-up security checks at arrival points at all checkpoints due to the heightened global security situation, including the recent Middle East crisis.Travellers are advised to check the traffic situation at the checkpoints before embarking on their journey and can also use QR code clearance for more convenience.«Those who need to travel during this peak period can also consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion,» the authority added.Over the Chinese New Year festive period, more than three million travellers used Singapore's land checkpoints from Feb 13 to 19. Almost 565,000 travellers crossed on Feb 13, said ICA.

4 taken to hospital, including infant, after 2 buses and car collide in Ang Mo Kio

An infant is among four who have been taken to a hospital following an accident involving two buses and a car in Ang Mo Kio on Sunday (March 8), according to a video uploaded to TikTok by user Biker6074 that same day.In the video, a green SBS Transit bus can
Singapore

4 taken to hospital, including infant, after 2 buses and car collide in Ang Mo Kio

An infant is among four who have been taken to a hospital following an accident involving two buses and a car in Ang Mo Kio on Sunday (March 8), according to a video uploaded to TikTok by user Biker6074 that same day.In the video, a green SBS Transit bus can be seen parked along the road of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, blocking two lanes of traffic.A police vehicle is also parked up ahead, with officers taking photographs of a car further in front and of the bus.The video then cuts to a second bus - this vehicle is visibly damaged, with its windscreen cracked and bumper crumpled from the impact of a collision.Separately, photographs of the incident were posted to Facebook group Singapura Channel, showing multiple SBS Transit workers on the scene.Responding to queries from AsiaOne, the police stated that they were alerted to an accident involving two buses and a car along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 towards Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 just before noon on Sunday.A 60-year-old male car driver and three bus passengers aged between seven months and 77 years of age were subsequently conveyed conscious to the hospital.

Man arrested for loanshark harassment in Yishun within 4 hours

A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday (March 7) for his alleged involvement in a case of loanshark harassment in Yishun.The incident happened at a residential unit along Yishun Street 22.A photograph of the alleged crime scene provided by the police show
Singapore

Man arrested for loanshark harassment in Yishun within 4 hours

A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday (March 7) for his alleged involvement in a case of loanshark harassment in Yishun.The incident happened at a residential unit along Yishun Street 22.A photograph of the alleged crime scene provided by the police shows the main gate and door of the said unit splashed with red paint. Another photograph shows a debtor's note which reads: «Own (Owe) money. Pay money. Call me back for payment (sic).»The man was arrested by officers from Woodlands Police Division through follow-up investigations and with the aid of images from police cameras. He was arrested within four hours of the report made. A plastic bag containing a can of paint, white tape, black permanent marker and one debtor's note were seized as case exhibits.The man will be charged in court on Monday. If found guilty of loanshark harassment, he could be jailed for up to five years, fined up to $50,000, and receive up to six strokes of the cane.

Over $182m lost in 2025: Police warn of increase in scam cases involving cryptocurrency transfers

The police have noticed an increase in scam cases that involve cryptocurrency transfers and have advised members of the public on areas to note.In an advisory issued on Sunday (March 8), police said the uptick in cryptocurrency transfers-related scams were pr
Singapore

Over $182m lost in 2025: Police warn of increase in scam cases involving cryptocurrency transfers

The police have noticed an increase in scam cases that involve cryptocurrency transfers and have advised members of the public on areas to note.In an advisory issued on Sunday (March 8), police said the uptick in cryptocurrency transfers-related scams were primarily due to investment, jobs, and government officials impersonation scams, adding that victims lost about $182.2 million in cryptocurrency in 2025.Victims of such scams would typically chance upon advertisements relating to purported cryptocurrency-related «investments» or «job opportunities» on social media platforms.They would be directed by scammers to create cryptocurrency accounts and purchase cryptocurrencies, either for «investment purposes» or to earn a «commission» in return for helping to boost the values of cryptocurrencies.Scammers would subsequently ask the victims to transfer the cryptocurrencies to designated cryptocurrency wallets or share their account login credentials and seed phrases. This allowed scammers to gain control and withdraw the victims' cryptocurrencies.

'Deeply offensive': Shanmugam on video showing man stepping on Quran on public bus

Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam on Sunday (March 8) said the video showing a man stepping on the Quran in a public bus is «deeply offensive».Shanmugam, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs, spoke to the media at the si
Singapore

'Deeply offensive': Shanmugam on video showing man stepping on Quran on public bus

Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam on Sunday (March 8) said the video showing a man stepping on the Quran in a public bus is «deeply offensive».Shanmugam, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs, spoke to the media at the sidelines of a breaking of fast event in Yishun.«Anyone who has seen the video will know it is deeply offensive, let alone during Ramadan. The police have taken action,» he said.The minister also revealed that police have identified the suspect —  a person who has uploaded similar videos before.The said person was charged and convicted in court last July for a similar offence and was released from prison in December the same year.«There was some evidence that he was mentally unwell. He is now overseas, and police will interview him when he returns,» Shanmugam added.Providing an update on Meta's follow-up, the minister said that Meta has complied with the disabling directions and has taken the video down.

4-year-old boy allegedly slapped twice by man outside Woodlands preschool, police report lodged

A 4-year-old boy was allegedly slapped twice by a man outside a preschool in Woodlands on Friday (March 6).According to the boy's mother, the incident took place at about 12pm at Block 875 Woodlands Street 82. Checks by AsiaOne indicate that there is a P
Singapore

4-year-old boy allegedly slapped twice by man outside Woodlands preschool, police report lodged

A 4-year-old boy was allegedly slapped twice by a man outside a preschool in Woodlands on Friday (March 6).According to the boy's mother, the incident took place at about 12pm at Block 875 Woodlands Street 82. Checks by AsiaOne indicate that there is a PCF Sparkletots Preschool at the said address. This also corresponds with the uniform seen in a picture accompanying the Instagram post made by the boy's mother.According to the boy's mother, he was playing catching with his classmates when he showed his middle finger after being caught. The alleged assailant, the father of another child, was said to have grabbed the boy by his collar and slapped him across the face.In a follow-up post on her Instagram story, the boy's mother claimed that the man also pointed his finger at his face and threatened to break his fingers.«To a child at this age, it is not discipline but intimidation. Moments like this can stay in a child's mind and cause rear fear and emotional drama,» she wrote, adding that her child is now afraid to return to school even though he had tried to be brave and said there was «no pain» while holding back his tears.

Singapore welcomes greater role for Japan in Asia-Pacific, urges 'sensitive' handling of historical issues

Singapore believes it would be positive for the region should Japan deepen cooperation with more Asian partners, if it is able to sensitively handle «difficult historical issues», said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann. The
Singapore

Singapore welcomes greater role for Japan in Asia-Pacific, urges 'sensitive' handling of historical issues

Singapore believes it would be positive for the region should Japan deepen cooperation with more Asian partners, if it is able to sensitively handle «difficult historical issues», said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann. These issues refer to «the damage and suffering caused during the Second World War», she added.Sim, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, was speaking at the Special Speakers Series organised by Business China on Friday (March 6). Referring to the erosion of a rules-based international order, Sim said the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean) and its key partners — China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan — will remain the «cornerstone of Singapore's foreign policy amid the sharpening of strategic rivalry and erosion of trust between countries. »In a more multipolar world, countries are diversifying partnerships, strengthening resilience, and hedging against uncertainty.«Singapore must do the same. As global coordination becomes more difficult, we must invest more in regional and plurilateral networks that promote stability, openness and cooperation,» she explained.

'Relieved': Travellers in Singapore affected by Middle East airspace closure leaves for Oman

«Relieved.» That was the simple yet emotional word Swiss travellers Jeremie Berard, 36, and Joana Goncalves, 31, used to describe their feelings after checking in for Singapore Airlines flight SQ8002 on Sunday (March 8) morning.The special flight
Singapore

'Relieved': Travellers in Singapore affected by Middle East airspace closure leaves for Oman

«Relieved.» That was the simple yet emotional word Swiss travellers Jeremie Berard, 36, and Joana Goncalves, 31, used to describe their feelings after checking in for Singapore Airlines flight SQ8002 on Sunday (March 8) morning.The special flight was arranged by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for non-resident travellers, whose travel arrangements between Feb 28 to March 8 were cancelled by an airline due to the closure of airspace in the Middle East.The two were originally scheduled to depart Singapore on Feb 28 via Qatar Airways. It was also the day that the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. «Qatar Airways cancelled our flights. We bought more flights and they were also cancelled. All the other direct flights were sold out and we couldn't find other opportunities to go home,» said the couple as they described to AsiaOne their exasperating experience over the past week.

Woman, 23, threatened with arson to Malaysia home after falling for home rental scam in Singapore

A 23-year-old Malaysian woman fell victim to a Singapore rental scam, in which the other party tried to extort more money by accusing her of money laundering, sending fake lawyer letters, and even threatening to set fire to her home in Malaysia.Kota Tinggi na
Singapore

Woman, 23, threatened with arson to Malaysia home after falling for home rental scam in Singapore

A 23-year-old Malaysian woman fell victim to a Singapore rental scam, in which the other party tried to extort more money by accusing her of money laundering, sending fake lawyer letters, and even threatening to set fire to her home in Malaysia.Kota Tinggi native Huang Xiaohan (transliterated), who works in retail, told Sin Chew Daily News that she had already been working in Singapore for a few years, and had previously rented a room under a friend's recommendation.When the lease expired, she went on Facebook to find a new place at the end of February, where she stumbled upon an advertisement about a flat for rent in Serangoon.She then contacted a woman on WhatsApp, who according to Shin Min Daily News, went by the name «Christina» (transliterated), who claimed to be the owner of the house.Speaking in a press conference, Huang said that Christina claimed that the room was in high demand, and was told to pay a deposit of $1,250.Two days later, the other party told her of another potential tenant who could pay for a month's deposit and rent, and told Huang that she will be the tenant if she could pay for the full amount. 

Singapore's crow population rose to 160,000 in 2024: NParks

SINGAPORE – The number of crows in Singapore grew by more than 20 times over less than a decade, The Straits Times has learnt.On Feb 23, the authorities announced that they planned to resume the shooting of crows in March after a six-year hiatus, as alterna
Singapore

Singapore's crow population rose to 160,000 in 2024: NParks

SINGAPORE – The number of crows in Singapore grew by more than 20 times over less than a decade, The Straits Times has learnt.On Feb 23, the authorities announced that they planned to resume the shooting of crows in March after a six-year hiatus, as alternative population control methods were deemed inadequate amid a rise in reports about crow attacks.Shooting had been discontinued in 2020 after instances of pellets striking residences.This is more than 20 times the figure cited in an earlier population study in 2016, when shooting operations still took place, with the birds on mainland Singapore numbering about 7,295 then.How said the use of firearms adds to the existing suite of measures to control the country’s crow population, which includes removing nests, deploying traps and pruning trees to reduce the number of birds that roost there.This approach was chosen as crows are an invasive species that pose a threat to native biodiversity and can attack humans, especially when they are perceived as threats to their young.Droppings from the birds also create unsanitary conditions where they gather and roost.

Police order Meta to disable posts showing man stepping on Quran in Singapore

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has issued Disabling Directions (DD) under the Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 (OCHA) to Meta over a video of a man stepping on a Quran in Singapore, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement published on Sunday (M
Singapore

Police order Meta to disable posts showing man stepping on Quran in Singapore

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has issued Disabling Directions (DD) under the Online Criminal Harms Act 2023 (OCHA) to Meta over a video of a man stepping on a Quran in Singapore, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement published on Sunday (March 8). This act was believed to have taken place on a public bus.While the original video is no longer available, it had been reposted and shared multiple times across other social media platforms.The MHA and SPF had assessed that the video constitutes an offence of insulting the religion of another person under Section 17F(4) of the Maintenance Religious Act 1990.Five DDs were issued to Meta to disable access to the content, while posts containing the video are no longer accessible to end-users in Singapore.«While some individuals may have reposted the video to condemn the actions of the original poster, doing so perpetuates the offensive content online,» MHA said in the statement.«Members of the public who come across such content are advised to inform the authorities instead.»

'Living through hell': Relief and tears at Changi T3 as first batch of Singaporeans in Middle East returns home

Quiet anticipation turned into cheers and tears at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on Saturday (March 7) night as some 152 Singaporeans and their dependents returned home on Singapore Airlines flight SQ8001.Family members, friends and relatives of those onboard sta
Singapore

'Living through hell': Relief and tears at Changi T3 as first batch of Singaporeans in Middle East returns home

Quiet anticipation turned into cheers and tears at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on Saturday (March 7) night as some 152 Singaporeans and their dependents returned home on Singapore Airlines flight SQ8001.Family members, friends and relatives of those onboard starting streaming in to the waiting area of the arrival hall near belt 47 just after 8pm. Several were seen checking flight tracking applications on their mobile phones with eager anticipation. Afterall, it has been almost a week of uncertainty and worry for some, after the United States and Israel struck Iran on Feb 28. 

Staff honours Ji Xiang ang ku kueh founder who paid her medical bills, dies at 81: 'I consider them my godparents'

A staff member of Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh has shared how the founder had helped her as she paid tribute to him at his funeral, she shared in a TikTok video uploaded by Shin Min Daily News on Friday (March 6).The founder, Toh Poh Seek, died at age 81, according t
Singapore

Staff honours Ji Xiang ang ku kueh founder who paid her medical bills, dies at 81: 'I consider them my godparents'

A staff member of Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh has shared how the founder had helped her as she paid tribute to him at his funeral, she shared in a TikTok video uploaded by Shin Min Daily News on Friday (March 6).The founder, Toh Poh Seek, died at age 81, according to a Facebook post by Ji Xiang ang ku kueh a day prior.«I'm truly so grateful,» the staff member, Zheng Mulan, told Shin Min. «During my most difficult period, he helped me.»«I lived at his home for half a year - I ate at his home, even as I lived in it,» she revealed.The 47-year-old explained that she came to Singapore from China to earn a living, and worked with Ji Xiang for about 14 years.In 2016, Zheng was involved in a car accident and racked up a medical bill between $30,000 and $40,000, according to Shin Min.«Boss Toh called my son, who was in secondary school at the time, sharing that he would help pay my medical expenses and that my son shouldn't worry about it,» she recalled.«I never expected to receive such care while living in a foreign country,» she stated. «I consider them my godparents.»

Singapore planning to dispatch repatriation flight for citizens, dependents from Saudi Arabia

Even as the first of two repatriation flights from Muscat in Oman is still underway, Singapore is already planning to mount another repatriation flight — this time for Singaporeans and their dependents from Saudi Arabia. In a message sent to Singaporea
Singapore

Singapore planning to dispatch repatriation flight for citizens, dependents from Saudi Arabia

Even as the first of two repatriation flights from Muscat in Oman is still underway, Singapore is already planning to mount another repatriation flight — this time for Singaporeans and their dependents from Saudi Arabia. In a message sent to Singaporeans there, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the Government has been exploring options to bring Singaporeans back from different parts of the Middle East to Singapore. «We are currently making plans to dispatch a repatriation flight for Singaporeans and their dependents from Saudi Arabia to Singapore during the window of March 10 to 12, 2026,» the message read. It added that the date and time are subject to flight approvals and ground situation, with details to be disseminated to Singaporeans once they are confirmed.Meanwhile, plans are also underway to provide overland transport from Doha in Qatar, Manama in Bahrain, Al Khobar and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for Singaporeans to Riyadh — one day before the confirmed flight date.  

'I'm going to give my kids a big hug': Singaporean woman on repatriation flight recounts experience

«Seeing your national carrier at an airport it does not serve is so cool.» This was what Ms Francesca Danielle wrote on her Instagram just before boarding SQ8001, a government-assisted repatriation flight from Muscat in Oman to Singapore on S
Singapore

'I'm going to give my kids a big hug': Singaporean woman on repatriation flight recounts experience

«Seeing your national carrier at an airport it does not serve is so cool.» This was what Ms Francesca Danielle wrote on her Instagram just before boarding SQ8001, a government-assisted repatriation flight from Muscat in Oman to Singapore on Saturday (March 7) afternoon.The 41-year-old, a mother of two young daughters, is among Singaporeans who become stranded in the Middle East as tensions rose following strikes on Iran launched by Israel and the United States on Feb 28.She was on a work trip in Dubai with five other colleagues and were initially scheduled to return home on March 3, but found their Emirates flight cancelled after the strikes.In a video story posted on Instagram before boarding the flight, Francesca recounted how she and fellow Singaporeans received assistance from officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 

Singapore Airlines flight carrying Singaporeans stranded in Middle East begins journey home

The first of two repatriation flights organised by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for Singaporeans stranded in Middle East has begun its journey home. Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ8001 departed from Muscat International Airport in Oma
Singapore

Singapore Airlines flight carrying Singaporeans stranded in Middle East begins journey home

The first of two repatriation flights organised by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for Singaporeans stranded in Middle East has begun its journey home. Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ8001 departed from Muscat International Airport in Oman at about 2.45pm on Saturday (March 7). It is expected to land at Changi Airport Terminal 3 at about 9.20pm.  Singapore Airlines flight SQ8001 departed Muscat International Airport at about 2.44pm. PHOTO: FlightRadar24 AsiaOne has reached out to MFA to check on the number of citizens who boarded the repatriation flight. 

41-year-old woman found dead at foot of Sengkang HDB block after falling from height

A 41-year-old woman was found dead at the foot of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Sengkang on Friday (March 6) afternoon. The incident happened at about 12pm at Block 289A Compassvale Crescent. A video posted on TikTok showed two Sing
Singapore

41-year-old woman found dead at foot of Sengkang HDB block after falling from height

A 41-year-old woman was found dead at the foot of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Sengkang on Friday (March 6) afternoon. The incident happened at about 12pm at Block 289A Compassvale Crescent. A video posted on TikTok showed two Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) ambulances parked along a driveway in front of the block. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police and SCDF said the 41-year-old woman is believed to have fallen from height. She was found lying motionless at the foot of the block and was pronounced dead at the scene by a SCDF paramedic. Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect any foul play. Investigations are ongoing. 

PM Wong thanks UAE President for supporting, assisting Singaporeans there

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (March 7) thanked United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for his country's assistance to Singaporeans residing there.In a Facebook post on Saturday afternoon, PM Wong said h
Singapore

PM Wong thanks UAE President for supporting, assisting Singaporeans there

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (March 7) thanked United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for his country's assistance to Singaporeans residing there.In a Facebook post on Saturday afternoon, PM Wong said he discussed the escalating situation in the Middle East with the UAE president earlier in the day.PM Wong thanked Sheik Mohamed for UAE officials' support and assistance to Singaporeans residing there.«Our officials have been working closely together to ensure Singaporeans remain safe, and to facilitate arrangements for those who wish to return home,» PM Wong wrote.He added that a protracted conflict in the Middle East will have «serious consequences» for the world and expressed his hope that the parties involved will find ways to de-escalate and restore stability to the region.The prime minister also said that Singapore values its «close friendship» with the UAE, and stands in solidarity with the UAE and its people during what he described as a «challenging time».

Cross-border taxis from Singapore may need to install tracking system: Johor councillor

Johor may require cross-border taxis from Singapore to install a location tracking system to monitor their movements and ensure that passengers are picked up and dropped off at designated locations, said Johor state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad
Singapore

Cross-border taxis from Singapore may need to install tracking system: Johor councillor

Johor may require cross-border taxis from Singapore to install a location tracking system to monitor their movements and ensure that passengers are picked up and dropped off at designated locations, said Johor state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh. Fazli, who also chairs the Johor State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee, told Bernama in an interview that this is in line with Singapore's requirement for Malaysian cross-border taxis to be fitted with an ERP2.0 on-board unit (OBU). «Malaysia is expected to implement a similar, or at least an equivalent measure. However, the matter of installation cost is still under discussion,» Bernama reported Fazli as saying.He added that this would also allow the transport department to conduct monitoring and take necessary enforcement actions.

Two lawyers ordered to bear personal cost of $5,000 each after citing fictitious cases

Two lawyers have been ordered to bear a cost of $5,000 each for their roles in mentioning two fictitious cases in a closing submission cited in court. In a judgment on March 6, Justice S Mohan said it was “plainly evident” that an AI tool had been us
Singapore

Two lawyers ordered to bear personal cost of $5,000 each after citing fictitious cases

Two lawyers have been ordered to bear a cost of $5,000 each for their roles in mentioning two fictitious cases in a closing submission cited in court. In a judgment on March 6, Justice S Mohan said it was “plainly evident” that an AI tool had been used in the preparation of the draft. While there is no inherent objection to the use of AI tools in the industry, Justice Mohan said such tools can play the part of only the «handmaiden». «The fundamental point remains that lawyers bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring that all materials placed before the court – including case authorities – are, without exception, true and accurate, and crucially, verified by them to be so,» said the judge, who added that AI tools will become an increasingly prevalent feature of the legal ecosystem.The case surrounds the estate of the late Tan Thuan Teck and three suits filed by his sons against the late Tan's brothers and their company. Tan's sons had filed the suits in 2023 to recover money their father had lent to his brothers and their company. 

Singaporeans from Abu Dhabi, Dubai make their way to Oman ahead of chartered flight home

Two groups of Singaporeans in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates seeking to return home via the first government-organised repatriation flight from the region embarked on a five hour bus ride to Muscat in Oman early on Friday (March 6) morning.&n
Singapore

Singaporeans from Abu Dhabi, Dubai make their way to Oman ahead of chartered flight home

Two groups of Singaporeans in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates seeking to return home via the first government-organised repatriation flight from the region embarked on a five hour bus ride to Muscat in Oman early on Friday (March 6) morning. They were sent off by the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai respectively, and were accompanied on their bus rides by Singapore Embassy/Consulate officers. In Oman, the returning Singaporeans were supported by the Singapore Embassy in Muscat and a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Crisis Response Team until their departure via the chartered flight on Saturday. The flight is due to land in Singapore on Saturday evening, while another flight is scheduled to land on Sunday. 

'Lawyer who adopts and uses AI better will replace the one who does not': Edwin Tong

Singapore's legal profession is standing at «one of the most consequential crossroads» in its history, with artificial intelligence (AI) set to automate about 44 per cent of legal tasks, said Minister for Law Edwin Tong.Tong, who is also Second Mi
Singapore

'Lawyer who adopts and uses AI better will replace the one who does not': Edwin Tong

Singapore's legal profession is standing at «one of the most consequential crossroads» in its history, with artificial intelligence (AI) set to automate about 44 per cent of legal tasks, said Minister for Law Edwin Tong.Tong, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs, was speaking at a forum titled «The next chapter: Shaping Singapore's legal future», organised by the Ministry of Law on Friday (March 6).

Malaysian to be charged over suspected involvement in government official impersonation scam

A Malaysian man will be charged on Saturday (March 7) for his suspected involvement in a government official impersonation scam.The 38-year-old is the second Malaysian who has been arrested over two days for facilitating scam syndicates to collect cash and va
Singapore

Malaysian to be charged over suspected involvement in government official impersonation scam

A Malaysian man will be charged on Saturday (March 7) for his suspected involvement in a government official impersonation scam.The 38-year-old is the second Malaysian who has been arrested over two days for facilitating scam syndicates to collect cash and valuables, said the police in a statement on Friday (March 6).In all, more than 50 Malaysians have been nabbed for being scam mules in Singapore since May last year.The police said they received a report on March 4 from a victim who was contacted by someone claiming to be from HSBC bank, about unauthoritised transactions made on her credit card.When she denied having a HSBC credit card, the call was transferred to another person claiming to be an officer from the «Commercial Affairs Department» who informed her that she was suspected to be involved in money laundering.The scammer first instructed her to make a withdrawal of $15,000 that was deposited into her bank account.She was then told to purchase more than $130,000 worth of gold from pawnbroker Maxi-Cash, and to leave them on the passenger seat of her unlocked car left at a car park on Upper Boon Keng Road.

3 Chinese passengers caught red-handed at Changi T1 green channel; over 300 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized

Three Chinese passengers, aged between 20 and 23, were caught red-handed by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Changi Airport Terminal 1's green channel on Feb 27.In a post on its social media on Friday (March 6), ICA said the three trave
Singapore

3 Chinese passengers caught red-handed at Changi T1 green channel; over 300 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized

Three Chinese passengers, aged between 20 and 23, were caught red-handed by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Changi Airport Terminal 1's green channel on Feb 27.In a post on its social media on Friday (March 6), ICA said the three travellers were seen behaving suspiciously after they had collected their luggage.They were profiled for baggage screening at the green channel and asked if they had any items to declare, to which the trio replied that they had nothing to declare.ICA said its search and examination officers subsequently discovered more than 300 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden in their luggage.The trio were arrested and the case referred to Singapore Customs for further investigation. 

'Milo truck, but for Pokemon': Families and fans gush over Pokemon Truck outside Bugis+ mall

When I was 10, Milo trucks may not have been the best thing in the world, but they were certainly a contender for it.Now, it seems a new truck is giving even that a run for its money — a Pokemon-themed truck is making its way around Singapore, and fans are
Singapore

'Milo truck, but for Pokemon': Families and fans gush over Pokemon Truck outside Bugis+ mall

When I was 10, Milo trucks may not have been the best thing in the world, but they were certainly a contender for it.Now, it seems a new truck is giving even that a run for its money — a Pokemon-themed truck is making its way around Singapore, and fans are delighted.This Pokemon truck has made a pit stop outside Bugis+, and AsiaOne was invited for a sneak peek on Friday (March 6) morning.Even though crowds were admittedly sparse on a weekday morning, the atmosphere was already very much celebratory with staff members handing out free Pokemon-themed sun visors and Ditto-shaped flyers.Some fans had already started trying out the free demo for Pokemon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2, which is available in the truck itself.Others, including families, were seen hanging around a colouring booth as they waited their turn for the demo.Speaking with AsiaOne, a fan, surnamed Ho, shared that she had seen this truck on Instagram and was excited to have a look.She has been a fan of Pokemon since the early days of Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow, available on the Game Boy.

Bus, train services to be extended on eve of Hari Raya Puasa

Whether you are headed out for last-minute shopping, or simply staying out with friends to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, you can do so with a peace of mind.Public transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT will extend the operating hours of train s
Singapore

Bus, train services to be extended on eve of Hari Raya Puasa

Whether you are headed out for last-minute shopping, or simply staying out with friends to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, you can do so with a peace of mind.Public transport operators SBS Transit and SMRT will extend the operating hours of train services on the eve of Hari Raya Puasa (March 20). In addition, the operating hours of 53 bus services will also be extended to complement the extension of train operating hours. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys early and to note the changes. NSL, EWL, CCL and TELThe last train will depart North-South Line's City Hall MRT station for Marina South Pier and Jurong East at 12.30amMeanwhile, the last train to depart from the East-West Line's City Hall MRT station for Tuas Link and Pasir Ris will also be at 12.30am.On the Circle Line, the last train leaving from Dhoby Ghaut and HarbourFront MRT stations will be at 11.55pm and 11.30pm respectively.The last train departing from Bayshore and Woodlands North MRT stations are at 12am and 12.12am respectively.There will be no extension for Bukit Panjang LRT and Changi Airport services.

PUB officers to have powers to conduct forced entry to address coastal flood risk under new Bill

Officers with Singapore's national water agency PUB may soon have powers to forcibly enter a landowner's premises to address coastal flood risks. These powers are part of the Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill, which was tabled for Second Readi
Singapore

PUB officers to have powers to conduct forced entry to address coastal flood risk under new Bill

Officers with Singapore's national water agency PUB may soon have powers to forcibly enter a landowner's premises to address coastal flood risks. These powers are part of the Coastal Protection and Other Amendments Bill, which was tabled for Second Reading in Parliament on Friday (March 6). Should the Bill be passed, these powers will help PUB officers carry out coastal protection functions, deter undesirable behaviours and provide immunities for officers carrying out their duties. In particular, the power to conduct forced entry can only be used as a last resort, such as in the event of an imminent coastal flooding event. «This power of forced entry will only be used judiciously, and only where there is an imminent coastal flooding event,» Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu told the House. «I would like to assure Members that we have set a high bar to activate this clause.» Immunities for authorised officers will also only apply if they have acted in good faith and with reasonable care.

Derek Tan to lead Building and Construction Authority from May 1

Derek Tan, Chief Infrastructure Planning Officer at the Ministry of National Development (MND), will be appointed chief executive officer of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) effective May 1, on Friday (March 6).Tan will be appointed chief executi
Singapore

Derek Tan to lead Building and Construction Authority from May 1

Derek Tan, Chief Infrastructure Planning Officer at the Ministry of National Development (MND), will be appointed chief executive officer of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) effective May 1, on Friday (March 6).Tan will be appointed chief executive officer (designate) on April 1.He will take over from Kelvin Wong Wee Siong, who was appointed to the role on Nov 2, 2020,  MND and BCA said.A HDB scholar, Tan joined the Housing Board in 1999 and served as the board's group director of housing management from June 2017 to July 2022.The incoming CEO is credited with leading the group to effectively address multiple challenges, including revamping processes and procedures during the Covid-19 pandemic to minimise service disruptions, while maintaining high service standards.He assumed his current role at MND in 2024 and later took on the concurrent role of executive director of planning in December 2025.In his present role, Tan is responsible for driving and coordinating the pro-enterprise work areas and inter-agency infrastructure coordination across the ministry.

Parliament passes anti-vape law: Users can be fined up to $10k from May 1

In a move to clamp down on vaping and etomidate abuse, a new law was passed in Parliament on Friday (March 6) which will see users, sellers and smugglers face stiffer fines.Under amendments to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sales) Act, vape users
Singapore

Parliament passes anti-vape law: Users can be fined up to $10k from May 1

In a move to clamp down on vaping and etomidate abuse, a new law was passed in Parliament on Friday (March 6) which will see users, sellers and smugglers face stiffer fines.Under amendments to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sales) Act, vape users can be fined up to $10,000 from May 1, five times the current amount.Fines for sellers have been raised by 20 times of up to $200,000, while smugglers can be slapped with fines of up to $300,000, 30 times the current amount.They can also be jailed up to six years and nine years respectively.The Bill, which includes a name change to the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA), will also target adults who recklessly leave etomidate-laced vapes, or K-pods, where children can access them.Adults who do not take «reasonable steps» to prevent children from using K-pods can be jailed for up to 10 years for the first offence.Onus will be on owners of entertainment venues such as bars and nightclubs to exercise due care to prevent the use and storage of vapes in their premises.

Wealthy Asians look to move Dubai assets closer to home on Iran war fears

SINGAPORE/DUBAI - Soon after the first Iranian missile and drone attacks on Dubai last week, two Indian entrepreneurs based there tried to move more than $100,000 each from their local bank accounts to Singapore to hedge risk.Technological glitches in the aft
Singapore

Wealthy Asians look to move Dubai assets closer to home on Iran war fears

SINGAPORE/DUBAI - Soon after the first Iranian missile and drone attacks on Dubai last week, two Indian entrepreneurs based there tried to move more than $100,000 each from their local bank accounts to Singapore to hedge risk.Technological glitches in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks initially scuppered those plans, the entrepreneurs, who did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters.One of them said he managed to subsequently transfer the sum to his Singapore bank account via another Emirates-based bank.Scores of other wealthy Asians are making enquiries or taking similar steps to move their Dubai-parked assets to the regional financial hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, industry advisers and lawyers said, as the US-Israel war on Iran clouds the Gulf's safe-haven aura and rattles investors.While the rich typically diversify their investments across regions and asset classes, they choose where to be based depending on tax, regulatory, privacy and operational considerations.

Police investigating after ambulance seen speeding along Stadium Road

Investigations into a private ambulance are ongoing after footage showing it driving recklessly near Stadium Road went viral online.The incident occurred on March 3 at around 11am, according to footage uploaded to the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group which ha
Singapore

Police investigating after ambulance seen speeding along Stadium Road

Investigations into a private ambulance are ongoing after footage showing it driving recklessly near Stadium Road went viral online.The incident occurred on March 3 at around 11am, according to footage uploaded to the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group which has since garnered over 150,000 views.In the video, a Goodwill Ambulance Services van is seen speeding and overtaking another van after turning into Kallang Airport Way.The ambulance subsequently speeds up and even drives over the chevron markings to overtake the camcar while filtering onto the road towards the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE).The ambulance can then be seen driving over the kerb and stopping, narrowly missing oncoming traffic.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said that they received a report and that an investigation is ongoing.AsiaOne has reached out to Goodwill Ambulance Services Group for more information.[[nid:730930]]dana.leong@asiaone.com 

Singapore arranges flight to Oman for travellers affected by Middle East airspace closure

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will assist foreign visitors in Singapore affected by the Middle East airspace closure to travel to Oman. In a media statement on Friday (March 6), STB said the special flight will depart Changi Airport for Muscat in Oma
Singapore

Singapore arranges flight to Oman for travellers affected by Middle East airspace closure

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will assist foreign visitors in Singapore affected by the Middle East airspace closure to travel to Oman. In a media statement on Friday (March 6), STB said the special flight will depart Changi Airport for Muscat in Oman at 5.30am on Sunday.The board urged affected such non-resident travellers — whose travel arrangements between Feb 28 to March 8 have been cancelled by an airline due to the closure of airspace in the Middle East — to express their interest by 9am on Saturday, via its website. Tickets for flight SQ8002, operated by Singapore's national carrier, Singapore Airlines, are priced at S$600 per seat.Children aged two and above are required to have their own seat and will be charged the same fare.STB sought travellers' understanding that seating will be assigned at random, although efforts will be made to group families together.

Budget 2026, largest to date, passed against backdrop of global uncertainty: Indranee Rajah

Budget 2026's Committee of Supply debates have ended with the passing of the largest annual budget in Singapore to date of over $207.9 billion.This is amid the backdrop of a changed world global uncertainty, Leader of the House Indranee Rajah said in Parliame
Singapore

Budget 2026, largest to date, passed against backdrop of global uncertainty: Indranee Rajah

Budget 2026's Committee of Supply debates have ended with the passing of the largest annual budget in Singapore to date of over $207.9 billion.This is amid the backdrop of a changed world global uncertainty, Leader of the House Indranee Rajah said in Parliament on Friday (March 6).«The international order that underpinned stability and prosperity for over nearly eight decades is breaking down,» she said.«Geopolitical tensions have increased, the multilateral system that had served us well has weakened. More countries are resorting to unilateral action. The rule of law is under strain with the resurgence of a might is right approach.»Budget 2026 is therefore presented as an action plan for Singaporeans to navigate this changed world and secure their future, she added.In order to do so, Singaporeans must make use of the resources available.One key aspect discussed in Budget 2026 was artificial intelligence (AI).