Singapore



Layoffs at Meta hit Singapore as tech giant cuts global workforce

SINGAPORE - Job cuts by social media giant Meta have hit Singapore, according to public posts on professional networking platform LinkedIn and sources who spoke to The Straits Times. This comes following a leaked internal memo by Meta's vice-president of hum
Singapore

Layoffs at Meta hit Singapore as tech giant cuts global workforce

SINGAPORE - Job cuts by social media giant Meta have hit Singapore, according to public posts on professional networking platform LinkedIn and sources who spoke to The Straits Times. This comes following a leaked internal memo by Meta's vice-president of human resources Janelle Gale in February, which communicated its plans to carry out company-wide layoffs globally. According to the note, notices were expected to go out to employees losing their jobs starting at 9pm Singapore time on Feb 10 in most countries, including in the US. Workers in more than a dozen countries across Europe, Asia and Africa would receive their notifications between Feb 11 and 18, it said. A LinkedIn user who identified herself as Meta's product manager based in Singapore said in a public post on Feb 11 that while this is not the first wave of layoffs she had witnessed during her almost three-year tenure at the firm, it «never gets easier». «Yesterday's Meta layoffs have been deeply emotional and challenging for many of us,» she wrote, adding the hashtag #metalayoffs as an act of solidarity among those impacted.

Over 33,000 foreigners blocked from entering Singapore in 2024 over security and immigration concerns

The number of foreign visitors who were refused entry at Singapore's checkpoints in 2024 increased by nearly 16 per cent compared to the previous year, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday (Feb 14). ICA said that a majority of the 3
Singapore

Over 33,000 foreigners blocked from entering Singapore in 2024 over security and immigration concerns

The number of foreign visitors who were refused entry at Singapore's checkpoints in 2024 increased by nearly 16 per cent compared to the previous year, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday (Feb 14). ICA said that a majority of the 33,1000 foreigners - an increase from 28,600 in 2023 - were assessed to pose immigration or security risks to Singapore. These include potentially overstaying or working illegally, or potentially committing crimes in Singapore. The increase comes after ICA implemented several new processes at Changi Airport and other major checkpoints, such as passport-free clearance for Singapore residents and automated clearance for foreigners. ICA said this has also led to them leveraging on biometrics and data to enhance their profiling and detection capabilities. They added: "ICA set up the Integrated Targeting Centre, which leverages advanced information and conducts data analytics to identify high-risk travellers before they arrive at our checkpoints.

GE2025: Revised registers of electors open for public inspection from Feb 15

The revised voter rolls of Singaporeans eligible to vote in the next general election will be open for public inspection from Feb 15 to 28, announced the Elections Department (ELD) on Friday (Feb 14). The Registers of Electors contain names of all qualified
Singapore

GE2025: Revised registers of electors open for public inspection from Feb 15

The revised voter rolls of Singaporeans eligible to vote in the next general election will be open for public inspection from Feb 15 to 28, announced the Elections Department (ELD) on Friday (Feb 14). The Registers of Electors contain names of all qualified electors as of Feb 1, 2025. Citizens aged 21 and above who are not disqualified from being an elector under any prevailing law and have a Singapore residential address or local contact address can vote in an election. Singaporeans can check if they are in the updated register and verify their particulars online via the ELD website or the Singpass app. They can also check their particulars at any community centre/club or ServiceSG Centre, or at the ELD office on an appointment basis. Singaporeans living overseas can do so online or at Singapore overseas missions serving as overseas registration centres. During the inspection period, one may submit a claim to include their name if it has been omitted, or update their particulars in the register to correspond with their NRIC.

LTA probes root causes of MRT disruptions after 3 incidents in week

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has said that they are working closely together with rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit to identify the root causes of the three MRT disruptions in less than a week. In a statement on Thursday (Feb 13), LTA said the peak-h
Singapore

LTA probes root causes of MRT disruptions after 3 incidents in week

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has said that they are working closely together with rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit to identify the root causes of the three MRT disruptions in less than a week. In a statement on Thursday (Feb 13), LTA said the peak-hour disruptions on Feb 7, 10 and 11 to the North-South Line (NSL), North East Line (NEL) and Circle Line respectively, are unrelated. The service disruption on the NSL began at about 5.15am when an engineering vehicle broke down at a railway crossing in Bishan Depot after completing routine maintenance works. This prevented trains from being launched from Bishan Depot into passenger service. «When SMRT tried to move the stalled vehicle using a rescue train, some of the wheels of the engineering vehicle came off the rails,» said LTA. LTA said that SMRT then redirected some trains from the East-West Line to the NSL to ensure that the latter could commence operations.

Median household incomes in Singapore rose in 2024; resident households received more help from govt schemes

SINGAPORE — Median household employment income grew to $11,297 in 2024, while income inequality fell to its lowest level in 25 years, after accounting for government assistance and taxes. Figures from the Singapore Department of Statistics (SingStat) als
Singapore

Median household incomes in Singapore rose in 2024; resident households received more help from govt schemes

SINGAPORE — Median household employment income grew to $11,297 in 2024, while income inequality fell to its lowest level in 25 years, after accounting for government assistance and taxes. Figures from the Singapore Department of Statistics (SingStat) also showed that resident households got more money from government schemes, due to support measures rolled out in 2024. SingStat's Feb 13 report showed that among resident employed households, median monthly household employment income grew by 3.9 per cent in nominal terms, before adjusting for inflation. This was up from $10,869 in 2023. This is the third year in a row that this figure has breached the $10,000 mark. This figure was $10,099 in 2022. Median monthly household employment income rose 1.4 per cent in real terms, or after adjusting for inflation, in 2024. Household employment income includes employer Central Provident Fund contributions. This is a slight drop from 2023, when the figure increased by 1.7 per cent.

Every Thaipusam, this Singaporean carries his 41-year-old brother 'like a kavadi'

For the past decade, Suresh Vanaz has been carrying his brother to temples during Thaipusam, which fell on Feb 11 this year.  The 46-year-old Singaporean is the sole caregiver to his brother, 41-year-old Gunaseelan, after their mum succumbed to an illnes
Singapore

Every Thaipusam, this Singaporean carries his 41-year-old brother 'like a kavadi'

For the past decade, Suresh Vanaz has been carrying his brother to temples during Thaipusam, which fell on Feb 11 this year.  The 46-year-old Singaporean is the sole caregiver to his brother, 41-year-old Gunaseelan, after their mum succumbed to an illness in 2009. Gunaseelan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three and is wheelchair-bound. On Thaipusam this year, Suresh carried Gunaseelan, who weighs almost 70kg, as the brothers followed the four-kilometre kavadi procession to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at River Valley. There, Suresh prayed for his brother's health and happiness.    «I have been carrying my brother like a kavadi,» said Suresh, who expressed that he has been caring for Gunaseelan for as long as he can remember.  

MOH to establish new statutory board for infectious diseases on April 1

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will establish a new statutory board, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), on April 1, 2025. According to a statement released on Thursday (Feb 13), the CDA will serve to consolidate public health functions for the detection
Singapore

MOH to establish new statutory board for infectious diseases on April 1

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will establish a new statutory board, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), on April 1, 2025. According to a statement released on Thursday (Feb 13), the CDA will serve to consolidate public health functions for the detection, prevention and control of infectious diseases, previously distributed under MOH headquarters, the Health Promotion Board, and National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). The formation of CDA will allow the government to quickly respond to disease outbreaks as one concerted public health effort, and will play a pivotal role in safeguarding Singapore from infectious disease threats. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung previously announced plans to establish such an agency in 2023 during the COVID-19 White Paper debate, reported CNA. At the time, the White Paper called for a «dedicated set-up where expertise in surveillance, disease prevention, preparedness and response, epidemiological analytics and modelling can be enhanced and sustained».

Woman turns in $10k prize-winning 4D ticket to police after finding it at Loyang temple

A woman discovered a lottery ticket at a temple in Loyang on Monday (Feb 3) and decided to hand it over to the police, after the winning combination struck $10,000 later that weekend. Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, Chen Yiming (transliteration) said tha
Singapore

Woman turns in $10k prize-winning 4D ticket to police after finding it at Loyang temple

A woman discovered a lottery ticket at a temple in Loyang on Monday (Feb 3) and decided to hand it over to the police, after the winning combination struck $10,000 later that weekend. Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, Chen Yiming (transliteration) said that she had visited the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple on the sixth day of Chinese New Year to watch a lion dance performance when she spotted the 4D ticket on the ground after the show. As the temple was crowded at the time, the 63-year-old hawker was unable to identify the owner of the ticket and brought it home with her. Upon closer inspection, she discovered that the ticket had been purchased that day and was for the Feb 8 and 9 draws later that weekend. The owner of the ticket had placed $2 small and large bets on the numbers 3388 and 8833.  According to data from the Singapore Pools website, 3388 struck first prize on Feb 9, with the lucky punter walking away with $10,000.  Upon seeing the draw results, Chen decided to hand the ticket over to the police at Sengkang Police Station on Feb 10. 

Former DPP among 4 new PAP branch chairpersons appointed to opposition-held Aljunied and Hougang

The People's Action Party (PAP) has appointed four new chairpersons in the Workers' Party-held constituencies of Aljunied and Hougang. Lawyer Marshall Lim, a former deputy public prosecutor, will take over from Jackson Lam to be branch chairman of PAP Houga
Singapore

Former DPP among 4 new PAP branch chairpersons appointed to opposition-held Aljunied and Hougang

The People's Action Party (PAP) has appointed four new chairpersons in the Workers' Party-held constituencies of Aljunied and Hougang. Lawyer Marshall Lim, a former deputy public prosecutor, will take over from Jackson Lam to be branch chairman of PAP Hougang division, the party announced in a statement on Thursday (Feb 13). Lam had assumed the chairperson role of PAP Hougang division in October 2023. In Aljunied GRC, Dr Adrian Ang has been appointed chair of Bedok Reservoir-Punggol, while Daniel Liu will take over Paya Lebar and Dr Faisal Abdul Aziz will be chair of Kaki Bukit. Dr Ang, Liu and Dr Faisal will replace Victor Lye, Kenny Sim and Shamsul Kamar respectively. Lye has been chairman of PAP's Bedok Reservoir-Punggol branch since 2012 and contested in Aljunied GRC in the 2015 and 2020 General Elections (GE), while Shamsul has been Kaki Bukit chairman since 2015 and contested in GE 2020.

Chan Chun Sing: For education system's changes to work, public's mindset must shift

SINGAPORE — Changes in education must be accompanied by a shift in mindsets and culture to have lasting impact, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said. Structural reforms alone — such as changes in the Primary School Leaving Examination scoring system
Singapore

Chan Chun Sing: For education system's changes to work, public's mindset must shift

SINGAPORE — Changes in education must be accompanied by a shift in mindsets and culture to have lasting impact, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said. Structural reforms alone — such as changes in the Primary School Leaving Examination scoring system or the removal of mid-year exams — will not ease academic pressure or broaden the definition of success unless societal attitudes evolve as well, he said on Feb 11. Chan was speaking at a lecture organised by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Institute of Policy Studies and National Institute of Education (NIE), as part of celebrations marking SG60 and MOE's 70th anniversary. Addressing about 500 graduating student-teachers from NIE and guests, he said that having consistency and conviction in carrying out policies is important. «Timing is everything. We must have the shrewd instincts to know when to lead the way with conviction and the wisdom to know when to pace ourselves with society's shifts,» he said in a nearly hour-long speech tracing how Singapore's education system has evolved over the years and the challenges ahead.

More new drug abusers under 20 arrested in 2024; youngest was 13 years old: CNB

From 97 to 126 — the number of new drug abusers aged below 20 arrested in 2024 has increased by 30 per cent as compared to 2023, said the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Tuesday (Feb 12). Data from the Singapore Drug Situation Report released on Tuesday
Singapore

More new drug abusers under 20 arrested in 2024; youngest was 13 years old: CNB

From 97 to 126 — the number of new drug abusers aged below 20 arrested in 2024 has increased by 30 per cent as compared to 2023, said the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Tuesday (Feb 12). Data from the Singapore Drug Situation Report released on Tuesday showed that out of the 3,119 drug abusers arrested in 2024, 966 were new offenders. Among them, 507 — 52 per cent — were aged below 30. This is the second year in a row where more than half of new drug abusers arrested were aged below 30, said CNB. Overall, the total number of drug abusers arrested in 2024 declined by one per cent, as compared to the 3,122 arrested in 2023. «While Singapore's drug situation generally remains under control, worrying trends in youth drug abuse persist,» said CNB Acting Director Leon Chan. «In 2024, the youngest abuser arrested was a 13-year-old.»  Citing a 2022 survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health, Chan noted that the arrested teen was far younger than the average onset age of drug abuse of 16 years old.

LTA catches 4 drivers for providing illegal rides within Singapore and across border

Four drivers were nabbed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Tuesday (Feb 11) for illegally providing ride-hailing services within Singapore, and to/from Malaysia. In a Facebook post, LTA said the drivers' foreign-registered vehicles have been impounded
Singapore

LTA catches 4 drivers for providing illegal rides within Singapore and across border

Four drivers were nabbed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Tuesday (Feb 11) for illegally providing ride-hailing services within Singapore, and to/from Malaysia. In a Facebook post, LTA said the drivers' foreign-registered vehicles have been impounded. A video accompanying the post showed several Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) being towed away from housing estates. LTA reminded the public to avoid using illegal ride-hailing services, which do not have proper licencing and insurance. This poses «serious risks» to passengers when accidents happen. «We will continue to take action against drivers who provide illegal hire-and-reward services, including cross-border trips without a valid Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSLV),» said the authority. Offenders may face a fine of up to $3,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. Their vehicles may also be forfeited.

Cyclist dies after accident with car in Tampines, family appealing for witnesses

A cyclist died in an accident with a car in Tampines on Monday (Feb 10) morning. The deceased's family, via a family friend, made a social media post appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage of the accident. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police s
Singapore

Cyclist dies after accident with car in Tampines, family appealing for witnesses

A cyclist died in an accident with a car in Tampines on Monday (Feb 10) morning. The deceased's family, via a family friend, made a social media post appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage of the accident. In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said that they were alerted to the accident, which occurred along Tampines Avenue 9 towards Tampines Avenue 2, at around 7.45am. The accident involved a 61-year-old male cyclist and a 47-year-old male driver. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) conveyed the unconscious cyclist to Changi General Hospital, where he subsequently died. The police arrested the driver for driving without reasonable consideration causing grievous hurt. Investigations are ongoing.

Woman who fell down stairs in bus: Judge rules SBS Transit driver not at fault

SINGAPORE — A woman who fell while climbing the stairs of a double-decker bus has lost a civil negligence suit against transport operator SBS Transit (SBST) and the bus driver. In a written judgment published on Feb 11, a district judge said it was unfort
Singapore

Woman who fell down stairs in bus: Judge rules SBS Transit driver not at fault

SINGAPORE — A woman who fell while climbing the stairs of a double-decker bus has lost a civil negligence suit against transport operator SBS Transit (SBST) and the bus driver. In a written judgment published on Feb 11, a district judge said it was unfortunate that the woman was injured and that he sympathised with the pain and suffering she experienced. The judgment did not give details of her injuries. «Nevertheless, the fault did not lie with the second defendant's driving,» said District Judge Samuel Wee. He said that based on the video footage from the bus, it appeared that the woman missed a step, lost her balance and fell as the bus moved off from the bus stop. When she was cross-examined in court, she confirmed she was fit, robust and did not require any mobility aid to get to the upper deck of the bus. Judge Wee also noted that she had chosen to find a seat on the upper deck instead of the lower deck, which had available seats. The passenger, Madam Tran Thi Phuong Nga, was in her late 60s when she boarded the bus on Feb 17, 2020.

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