Wong’s comments came after a week of high-level diplomacy that placed Singapore in the middle of competing strategic relationships. He attended the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, where he delivered a keynote speech describing China as an important factor in building a more resilient global order. 

The China visit followed his first official trip to Japan as prime minister earlier in March, during which the two countries upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, with cooperation planned in areas such as artificial intelligence and the green transition.

He said the back-to-back visits were not designed as a coordinated signal. The Japan trip had originally been planned for 2025 but was postponed, while the Boao invitation arrived separately. The timing ultimately worked out, he said, and allowed him to engage both partners in quick succession.

Ties between China and Japan have been deteriorating, including sharp rhetoric over Taiwan and signs Tokyo may be preparing to downgrade relations with Beijing. Wong said Singapore recognises the relationship is in a “difficult phase”, but insisted it does not see diplomacy as a zero-sum game.

Singapore’s approach, he said, is to maintain “many friends” and avoid taking sides in major-power rivalries.

One major pillar targets musculoskeletal health and mobility, a growing concern in ageing societies. The programme is supporting work on rapid screening tools for fractures and falls, as well as advanced research using bone organoids and lab-grown tissue models, to help predict how patients respond to drugs, allowing doctors to personalise fracture prevention for those most at risk.

Launching the programme on March 28, NRF chief executive John Lim said musculoskeletal problems are often underestimated despite being a major driver of disability worldwide. The goal, he said, is to translate promising research into real-world healthcare and move care earlier, from treatment to prevention and recovery support in the community.

Beyond physical health, FHT2 also includes a mental wellbeing track that will develop a platform combining large language models, behavioural science and real-world data to power apps that deliver tailored interventions for issues such as anxiety, depression and stress, particularly among young people .

A third track focuses on rehabilitation and recovery, including technology-assisted therapy for patients rebuilding upper-limb movement after stroke, part of a broader push to improve quality of life as people live longer.

FHT2 follows the first Future Health Technologies programme, which ran from 2020 to March this year and produced tools such as a cognitive screening test for early dementia signals and a chatbot-based health coaching app. The second phase is intended to speed up adoption in clinics and hospitals, with programme leaders saying they want patients to benefit directly from these technologies by 2030.

STB said the Muscat flight is strictly for non-resident travel lers currently in Singapore whose travel plans between February 28 and March 8 were cancelled by an airline due to Middle East airspace closures.

In response to queries, STB said passengers must cover all costs. “Travellers are responsible for all costs, including any onward travel to other destinations, accommodation, meals and ground transportation,” STB said.

The board added that the flight is intended to help affected visitors return to their home destinations in the Middle East or connect to onward travel.

“Singapore is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East,” STB said. “We understand the uncertainty and inconvenience caused by flight disruptions during this challenging period and remain committed to ensuring that Singapore continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for all visitors.”

Xie recently starred in the Channel 8 drama "The Gift of Time" in 2025, where he played a wealthy entrepreneur battling cancer. The role marked his first acting project since leaving showbiz in 2005.

Reports indicate that he had already asked to be excluded from consideration before the awards nominations were finalised, and that he will not attend the ceremony scheduled for April 19 at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

In a message posted on Instagram, he expressed in Chinese gratitude for the recognition he received during his career and credited the success of his performances to the teamwork behind each production.

He also emphasised that awards are the best recognition for young and active actors and should remain so, as he is semi-retired.

"I deeply understand what awards mean to every colleague still climbing the ladder of success; they are a testament to hard work and perseverance, and stepping stones to the next opportunity. Although I had the opportunity to meet the audience last year as Lin Huoyan, I am already semi-retired and hope that the spotlight will remain on outstanding actors who are still active, giving them more opportunities to shine," reads Xei's message when translated.

Born on 15 September 1961, Xie Shaoguang, whose birth name is Cha Shao-kwong, is widely regarded as one of Singapore’s most accomplished Mandarin-language television actors.

He built his reputation through numerous dramas produced by MediaCorp Channel 8 and became one of the country’s most recognisable screen stars in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Over the course of his career, Xie won the Star Award for Best Actor five times, a record that stood for many years and helped cement his status as one of Singapore’s leading television performers.

During the height of his career, Xie appeared in several critically acclaimed series. One of his best-known roles came in the 1998 family drama "Stand by Me", where he played Du Hanmin, a former doctor who becomes paralysed. The series was a major success and won Best Drama Serial at the Star Awards, with Xie himself taking home the Best Actor prize for his performance.

After stepping away from acting in 2005, Xie spent nearly 20 years pursuing other interests. During that period, he worked as a chef and even spent time as a Buddhist monk before eventually returning to the screen in 2024.

Despite his comeback, Xie has suggested he now considers himself semi-retired and prefers that the spotlight shift toward younger actors in the industry.

Under the changes, adults who involve young people or vulnerable persons in smuggling or supplying Kpods face up to 20 years in jail and up to 15 strokes of the cane. Adults who possess a Kpod and fail to try to prevent a young person from using it can be jailed for up to 10 years.

The law also places new duties on entertainment venues such as bars and clubs to stop patrons from vaping and require them to discard their devices. Venues will be allowed to eject patrons who refuse.

At border checkpoints, drivers found with vapes in their vehicles will also face tighter rules, with the burden shifting to them to prove they did not know the devices were there.

Penalties have been raised sharply across offences. Vape users can now be fined up to $10,000, while sellers face fines of up to $200,000 and up to six years’ jail. Smugglers can be fined up to $300,000 and jailed for up to nine years.

The new laws follows concern about drug-laced vapes. In July 2025, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said authorities were working to list etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act after one in three seized vapes was found to be a Kpod. The Health Sciences Authority later extended hotline hours and added an online reporting form for vaping offences.

The TFR measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. At 0.87, the figure is far below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population without immigration.

Gan warned that persistently low birth rates would make it increasingly difficult to reverse the decline, as fewer women would be of childbearing age in the future. He said the government’s top priority remains supporting Singaporeans in marriage and parenthood.

At the same time, he stressed the need for a “carefully managed immigration flow” to supplement the low birth rate. The government expects to grant between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizenships annually over the next five years. About 25,000 people became citizens in 2025, up from an annual average of 21,300 between 2020 and 2024.

The number of new permanent residents is also projected to rise to around 40,000 a year. Authorities said immigration will be paced to ensure public infrastructure, including housing and transport, keeps up with population changes.

Singapore’s total population is expected to remain significantly below 6.9 million by 2030, a figure previously used as a planning parameter. Officials said it would take considerable time to reach that level under current trends.

Gan said low birth rates and an ageing population would have far-reaching effects on economic growth, national security and social cohesion.

“Low birth rates and an ageing population will profoundly reshape our nation, our society and our economy in the years ahead,” he said.

One in five citizens was aged 65 or older in 2025, compared with one in eight a decade ago. Resident births fell to about 27,500 in 2025, an 11 per cent drop from the previous year and the lowest number on record.

His comments came after the US Supreme Court on February 20 rejected President Donald Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers law, prompting the White House to pivot to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

The White House initially announced a 10% global tariff under Section 122 for 150 days, effective 12.01 am on February 24, but Trump later said in a February 21 social media post that the rate would be raised to 15%.

“In all likelihood, this new 15 per cent across-the-board tariff will be applicable to Singapore. We need to be prepared for the impact,” DPM Gan said, adding that if a minimum tariff is applied broadly, it would be difficult for Singapore to negotiate exemptions.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said Singapore is also seeking details on tariff refund processes and on which items will be exempt. MTI noted that certain categories, including energy products, pharmaceuticals and ingredients, certain electronics and aerospace products, and some metals used in currency and bullion, are not covered by the Section 122 tariffs .

For now, Singapore is keeping its 2026 growth forecast at 2% to 4%, while monitoring what happens after the 150-day limit for Section 122 measures expires.

Singapore will provide grants totalling Special Drawing Rights (SDR) 25.48 million, equivalent to about $34.7 million, to two IMF facilities focused on poverty reduction and debt relief.

The largest share — SDR 21 million, or about US$28.6 million — will go to the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT), which offers concessional loans to low-income countries facing fiscal stress and balance-of-payments problems.

A further SDR 4.48 million, equivalent to around $6.1 million, will be directed to the Trust for Special Poverty Reduction and Growth Operations for the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (PRG-HIPC Trust) to support the IMF’s debt relief efforts for Sudan.

MAS said Singapore’s contribution to the PRGT will be drawn from its Official Foreign Reserves, while the Sudan-related grant will come from Singapore’s existing resources held in IMF accounts and will not affect reserve levels.

The move follows a 2021 IMF allocation of SDR 650 billion to boost global liquidity during the pandemic. Singapore received SDR 3.73 billion from that allocation, despite not requiring the additional reserves, and is now redirecting part of its share to countries in greater need.

MAS said the contributions reflect Singapore’s interest, as a small and highly open economy , in supporting global financial stability and collective action through the IMF. The amounts are aligned with Singapore’s quota share at the Fund.

Beyond grants, Singapore will also channel SDR 746 million — about US$1.01 billion — to the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust in the form of a loan, supporting longer-term financing for vulnerable countries facing challenges such as climate change and pandemic preparedness.

MAS said the combined measures underscore Singapore’s support for multilateral efforts to stabilise fragile economies, at a time when debt pressures and external shocks continue to weigh heavily on the world’s poorest countries.

His comments came after US President Donald Trump renewed calls in January for US control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore, as a small state, places particular importance on international law because it offers protection against a global order based on raw power.

“We will continue to uphold international law and multilateralism, as these principles ultimately protect small states and contribute to global peace and stability,” he said.

The foreign minister stressed that Singapore values its longstanding and substantive partnership with the United States, which he described as a key contributor to security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

At the same time, he noted that Singapore also enjoys close and friendly relations with European countries, including Denmark. Singapore’s approach, he said, is to remain principled and consistent, regardless of which country is involved.

“This is because a world order based on ‘might is right’ is more unstable and dangerous, especially for small states,” Dr Balakrishnan said.

Venezuela and military intervention

Dr Balakrishnan also addressed questions about US actions in Venezuela, including a January incident involving the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

He said Singapore had expressed “grave concern” over US military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as contrary to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Singapore has consistently opposed foreign military intervention by any country, he added, citing its past opposition to Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US invasion of Grenada in 1983.

A consistent foreign policy

Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore’s foreign policy is guided by long-term national interests and a consistent respect for international norms, rather than by the actions or influence of any single power.

While he noted that the US has recently withdrawn from dozens of international organisations, he said the immediate impact on Singapore is limited.

This is the second major round of public AI funding, following more than $500 million invested between 2019 and 2023. The RIE framework, overseen by the National Research Foundation, guides Singapore’s long-term strategy for research and innovation.

Where the money will go

The new investment will focus on three main areas: fundamental AI research, applied AI, and talent development.

Fundamental AI research will concentrate on developing core AI models and technologies that can be adapted for multiple uses. To support this, Singapore will establish research centres of excellence within public research institutions. These centres will focus on long-term, complex challenges and work closely with local and international partners, with research findings shared openly.

Unlike existing AI centres set up with private companies, these new centres will be fewer in number but backed by larger investments.

Priority research areas

The centres will focus on four priority areas. One is resource-efficient AI, which aims to reduce the heavy energy and water demands of AI systems, a key concern for Singapore, given its dense concentration of data centres.

Another focus is responsible AI, which seeks to prevent misuse, such as the creation of harmful content. Researchers will also explore emerging AI methods, including systems that can handle multiple types of data or operate autonomously.

The final area is general-purpose AI, which can perform a wide range of tasks across different fields, such as analysing scientific research and supporting drug development.

Figures compiled by the social service agency Loving Heart Multi-Service Centre from media reports show that at least 33 seniors died alone and were not discovered for some time in 2025. In 2024, there were at least 42 such cases. The police do not keep official statistics on undetected deaths, according to a parliamentary reply in 2024.

One widely reported case occurred in Jurong East in 2024, when the decomposing body of an 80-year-old woman was found in her flat after neighbours complained of a strong smell. Her husband was hospitalised at the time of her death.

The number of seniors living alone has also risen in the country. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament that about 87,000 residents aged 65 and above were living alone in 2024, a 50 per cent increase from 58,000 in 2018.

Social service agencies say isolation is a key factor. Elaine Ho, head of community health at Loving Heart, said some seniors avoid social interaction, stop going out and gradually experience declining health.

To address the problem, community groups are expanding befriending and outreach programmes. Loving Heart plans to launch a “No More Undetected Deaths” project in early 2026, using trained volunteers to regularly check on vulnerable seniors living alone in Jurong East.

The initiative will begin with two housing blocks in Yuhua and aims to eventually support up to 400 seniors. Volunteers will be trained to build relationships, identify warning signs and link seniors to appropriate support.

Ong has said such befriending programmes are essential to preventing seniors from dying alone at home, adding that outreach efforts by grassroots volunteers, active ageing centres and government agencies will continue to be strengthened.

Indonesian police in West Java detained about a dozen suspects in mid-2025, accusing them of running an illegal network that allegedly trafficked newborn babies, mainly to Singapore. Local authorities believe the syndicate had been operating since 2023 and may have moved at least 25 infants.

Singaporean authorities said they have asked Indonesia’s police and social affairs ministry to share investigation findings and are assisting with inquiries at Indonesia’s request. The police are also checking information related to three Singaporeans allegedly linked to the case.

While investigations continue, some adoption-related processes in Singapore have been affected. Officials said citizenship applications for children linked to the case have been delayed, and adoptive parents are being engaged to explain the situation.

The Singapore government acknowledged the anxiety caused to families involved and said it is working to resolve cases as quickly as possible while safeguarding the welfare of the children.

Both governments say the review aims to ensure that adoption processes are lawful, transparent and focused on the best interests of the children, while holding any individuals involved in trafficking fully accountable.

Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned that growing US willingness to act unilaterally, including recent military action in Venezuela, poses serious risks to global and regional stability. Speaking at an academic forum, Lee said such interventions lack proper international authorisation and could undermine the rules-based order, a particular concern for small states like Singapore. He cautioned that while major powers may see short-term gains, war carries unpredictable consequences, urged restraint in US-China rivalry, and reiterated Singapore’s support for the one-China policy and opposition to any unilateral change to the Taiwan Strait status quo.

Singapore leads the world in AI adoption as firms chase growth

Amid global AI competition, Singapore businesses are experiencing significant “AI FOMO ,” driving strong adoption as companies pursue growth and digital transformation. Local firms are investing in generative AI tools to enhance everything from customer engagement to operational efficiency, even as challenges with data quality and integration slow progress. Singapore’s government has also backed AI through strategic initiatives to strengthen workforce skills, infrastructure and responsible governance, positioning the city-state as a hub for both innovation and enterprise-level AI deployment.

Singapore commissions its first electric tug ahead of 2026 deployment

In a milestone for green maritime technology, Singapore has completed commissioning of its first fully electric tug , a zero-emission vessel set to begin operations in April 2026. Built in collaboration with PaxOcean Group and ABB, the electric tug supports the Maritime and Port Authority’s goal of electrifying new harbour craft by 2030 and reducing air pollution as Singapore transitions to cleaner shipping solutions. This move underlines the city-state’s push toward sustainable port operations and decarbonisation of its maritime sector.

Nestlé baby formula recall spreads amid toxin fears

Singapore has ordered an immediate halt to the sale of five batches of Nestlé NAN infant and follow-on formula as a precaution over the possible presence of cereulide toxin. The affected products are NAN HA 3 SupremePro (batch 53030017C1), NAN HA 2 SupremePro (batch 51420017C4), NAN HA 1 SupremePro (batch 51460017C2), NAN HA 1 SupremePro (batch 51470017C1), and NAN HA 3 SupremePro (batch 53030017B1). Authorities said there have been no confirmed illnesses so far, and investigations are ongoing.

Climate patterns: 2025 sees record temperatures and heavy rainfall in Singapore

Singapore experienced significant climate anomalies in 2025, with the warmest June on record and unusually heavy rainfall in March, according to Channel NewsAsia reporting. These extremes align with broader regional trends of increasing temperature variability and heavier precipitation linked to climate change. Meteorologists warn that such patterns could have implications for water management, urban planning and heat resilience strategies in tropical cities like Singapore.

Data from Budget Your Trip indicates that in parts of South, Southeast and Central Asia, travellers can comfortably get by on as little as $23 per day, covering accommodation, food, transport and basic activities.

Kazakhstan and Laos emerge as the cheapest destinations, both averaging around $23 a day. At this level, a traveller can typically afford a simple guesthouse or hostel, eat three local meals, move around using public transport or shared taxis, and still pay entry fees for local sights.

These low costs reflect inexpensive living standards and tourism sectors designed around budget travellers rather than high-end visitors.

Mongolia follows closely with an average daily cost of about 30 dollars. While long distances can make transport more expensive, daily expenses such as accommodation and food remain low, often involving homestays and locally run eateries.

South Asia continues to be one of the best-value regions for travellers. Nepal and India both average just over 40 dollars per day, while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan range between the mid-50s and low-60s.

At these prices, travellers can usually stay in budget hotels or well-rated guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, travel between cities by bus or train, and visit cultural sites, temples or hiking routes without stretching their budget. In destinations such as India and Nepal, careful planning can even allow for domestic flights or multi-day trekking within this spending range.

Vietnam and Indonesia average in the mid-60s per day, while the Philippines comes in slightly higher at around 73 dollars. These budgets typically cover comfortable hostels or budget hotels, street food with the occasional café meal, local transport or scooter hire, and activities such as city tours or island excursions. In the Philippines, higher transport costs between islands contribute to the higher average.

The contrast becomes clear when compared with Asia’s most expensive destinations. Daily travel costs in places such as the Maldives, Hong Kong and Singapore can reach well into the hundreds, largely due to accommodation prices and service-driven tourism models. In practical terms, what a traveller spends in one day in the Maldives could fund nearly two weeks of travel in Laos or Kazakhstan.

The figures from Budget Your Trip reflect average daily spending by travellers and are intended to represent realistic travel conditions rather than luxury or extreme backpacking. They generally include accommodation, food, local transport and activities, but exclude international flights and visa fees, which vary widely.

Its development has been closely tied to Singapore’s push for digitalisation. The farm’s AI capabilities were built with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Digital Leaders Programme, which also helped the firm hire data engineers and software developers.

Technology underpins much of the operation, from monitoring crop conditions to optimising energy consumption. Automation has reduced reliance on manpower, a critical advantage in a city where labour is costly and scarce.

Greenphyto has also been backed by the Singapore Food Agency’s Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund, which supports local farms in adopting new technologies and raising productivity as part of national food security efforts.

Beyond production, demand remains a decisive issue. Drumming up interest in, and sales of, local produce is essential if urban farms are to thrive alongside cheaper imports.

As the company continues to scale up, managing costs will be critical.

Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Zaqy Mohamad said it was important for production costs to be controlled so vegetables remain affordable and comparable in price to imported alternatives.

Greenphyto is also positioning itself as a technology exporter. The company has set up offices in Malaysia and the Netherlands to sell its vertical farming system globally.

It is additionally exploring plans to export its vegetables to Malaysia, extending its commercial footprint beyond Singapore’s domestic market.

To broaden its reach further, Greenphyto is planning a technology spin-off, Arber.ai, which will offer consultancy services to help other farms and local small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital solutions in their operations.

The move follows figures from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) showing that about 41,800 foreigners were turned away at Singapore’s checkpoints in the first 11 months of 2025. That is nearly 26% more than the total for all of 2024, and 46% higher than in 2023.

Under the new system, airlines will work with Singapore authorities to identify high-risk or prohibited travellers before they depart. These include people with criminal records, those using forged documents or multiple identities, and individuals banned from entering Singapore.

ICA said it has already strengthened checks at its borders using automated lanes with forgery detection, biometric screening and data analytics. These tools allow officers to spot impersonation attempts and other security risks more quickly.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Joe Tan said advance passenger information and analytics are also used to flag travellers for closer scrutiny even before they arrive.

“We do not deny travellers entry simply because they are identified as high-risk upstream,” he said. “They are stopped for further checks, interviews and investigations to determine their eligibility." 

The new directive pushes these checks even further upstream, preventing certain travellers from flying to Singapore at all. Authorities say this will reduce congestion at checkpoints and improve overall security.

Similar systems are already used in countries such as the United States and Australia. In the US, airlines screen passengers against a federal watch list, while Australia uses its Movement Alert List to flag people of interest before travel.

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the measures are intended to ensure that criminal laws remain “effective, fair and responsive” as fraud becomes one of Singapore’s most significant public safety threats.

People who knowingly allow their bank accounts or personal details to be used to launder scam proceeds may also face caning of up to 12 strokes, alongside jail terms and fines. Judges will also have the discretion to impose caning for other forms of fraud.

Scams now account for about 60% of all reported crime in Singapore, according to government figures. Between 2020 and the first half of 2025, nearly 190,000 scam cases were reported, with losses estimated at 3.7 billion Singapore dollars (about US$2.8 billion).

Officials say common scams include phishing, fake job offers, online shopping fraud, investment schemes and impersonation scams.

Judicial caning , a form of corporal punishment carried out with a rattan cane, is already used in Singapore for serious crimes such as robbery and sexual offences. It applies to male offenders under the age of 50 and is imposed in addition to prison sentences.

The government will also simplify paperwork through a one-stop digital portal that allows employers to register migrant workers for health insurance more easily. Each medical visit under the scheme will continue to cost a fixed co-payment of S$5, whether consultations are in person or online.

Singapore’s Minister of Manpower said the reforms will ease pressure on public hospitals, strengthen the country’s health care system and improve preparedness for future health emergencies, while ensuring migrant workers receive timely and reliable care.

"Migrant workers will have shorter travel times, receive help more quickly when they are sick, and experience less disruption to their work and rest schedules."

Launched in 2022, the PCP now covers more than 500,000 migrant workers in sectors such as construction, marine and manufacturing. Officials say about 90% of workers report that healthcare has become more accessible and less expensive since the scheme began.

Dr Liu Jianlin, the study’s lead researcher and a research fellow at IMH, said childhood adversity continues to shape a person’s emotional and social development well into adulthood. “Trauma impacts how we relate to others, the way we trust, the way we see ourselves,” she said. “Experiencing very strong emotions at a young age may also impact how we respond later in life,” Straits Times quotes.

The modified i-STAIR programme focuses on strengthening two key skills often disrupted by early trauma: emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. Participants will undergo weekly one-hour sessions for eight months, learning techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and build healthier patterns of communication.

Many adults experiencing what clinicians call subsyndromal depression (SSD), a milder form of depression that affects daily life without meeting full diagnostic criteria, never seek treatment. Yet research shows that around 17% of those with SSD progress to major depressive disorder (MDD). Those with adverse childhood experiences are three times more likely to develop mood or anxiety disorders.

Singapore has no official statistics on SSD because it often goes undiagnosed, making prevention efforts difficult.

Disclaimer: The image used in this article is AI-generated

Scam and fraud claims against Singapore’s digital banks have more than doubled in 2025, with 94 cases reported in the first eight months, up from 42 in all of 2024. The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (Fidrec) said these cases, worth S$2.5 million, mainly involved compromised credentials and impersonation scams, Straits Times reports. Victims were often deceived by phishing or scammers posing as officials. Fidrec added that claims against digital banks rose from 2.1% of total cases in 2023 to 8.7% in 2025, signalling a worrying trend as online banking expands.

Two Singaporeans arrested in Cambodia-based scam ring

Two Singaporean men, Wayne Soh You Chen and Brian Sie Eng Fa, have been deported and arrested for their alleged roles in a Cambodia-based scam syndicate accused of running government official impersonation scams. The syndicate, believed to be led by fugitive Ng Wei Liang, allegedly defrauded victims in at least 438 cases, costing S$41 million. Straits Times reports both men were captured abroad after months on the run, while 32 other members, including 25 Singaporeans and 7 Malaysians, remain at large.  

Autonomous vehicle testing

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has greenlit Grab and WeRide to conduct autonomous vehicle testing for their Ai.R fleet in Punggol. The trial will pave the way for Singapore’s first public autonomous shuttle service by early 2026. The service will link residents to key areas such as Punggol Coast MRT, bus interchanges, and shopping malls, Business Times reports. The AVs, trained to navigate local road conditions and weather, will gather real-world data to enhance their AI driving models. The programme will see test runs increase fourfold by year-end.  

Study links heavy social media use to mental distress

A national mental health study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) has found that young people who spend over three hours daily on social media are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on interviews with 2,600 respondents aged 15 - 35, the research showed that 30.6% reported severe symptoms, while cyberbullying and body image issues were strong contributing factors. IMH noted that youth with higher resilience and social support were less likely to suffer mental health strain. The study was conducted with the Ministry of Health and NUS’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Today Online reports.

5.5% - 7.5% pay rise for low-wage workers

The National Wages Council (NWC) has urged employers to grant built-in wage increases of 5.5% to 7.5% for workers earning up to S$2,700 a month from December 2025 to November 2026. Firms performing well should raise pay at the higher end of the range or by at least S$105 - S$125. The move, which covers about 57,600 workers, comes amid modest GDP growth of 1.5% - 2.5% for 2025 and persistent cost pressures. The council also announced higher pay floors for administrators and drivers under the Occupational Progressive Wages scheme, set to take effect in July 2026.

According to Britannica , party systems are broadly categorised as two-party, multiparty, or single-party, depending not only on the number of parties but also on how effectively they compete for control and share power.

In a two-party system, such as in the United States, two main political parties dominate elections and governance, often marginalising smaller players.

In contrast, multi-party systems, like those in much of Europe, allow for several influential parties to form coalition governments, creating a more flexible yet sometimes unstable political environment.

Meanwhile, dominant-party systems, seen in places such as Singapore and South Africa , feature competitive elections where one party nonetheless maintains long-term control, often blurring the line between democracy and monopoly.

A 2025 Pew Research Centre survey across 24 countries revealed that in 15 of them, no political party received a positive rating from a majority of citizens, a stark indicator of widespread political fatigue and disillusionment with established systems.

Analysts suggest that 2025 may mark a new wave of political disruption as voter frustration, digital activism, and populist movements challenge long-standing institutions.

These shifts are already visible in real-world events. In Portugal, the rise of the right-wing populist party Chega broke the country’s half-century pattern of two-party politics, a dramatic realignment that many view as symbolic of a broader European trend.

Across the world , Singapore continues to embody the stability and control of a dominant-party system as the People’s Action Party (PAP) has extended its unbroken rule since 1959.

Figures from the Ministry of Health show only modest improvements over the past decade. Kidney donations from deceased donors rose slightly from 6.3 per million people in 2013 to 6.59 in 2023. Liver and heart donations show similar slow growth, far below demand, The Straits Times reports.

To supplement transplants, Singapore also allows whole-body and brain donations for medical education and research under the Medical (Therapy, Education and Research) Act (MTERA). In such cases, bodies are collected within six hours and sent to medical schools , including the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Families may still hold wakes of up to three days before collection.

Medical institutions may retain bodies for up to three years before cremation. Families are then invited to collect ashes, or they are buried at sea if unclaimed.

Disclaimer: The image used in this article is AI-generated.

The warehouse was rented by Lim Zhi Wei, who told police in 2022 that electronics had been stolen. Investigators later uncovered that the unit had been storing large quantities of vapes imported from Malaysia. Lim admitted to packing, delivering, and selling the products locally and was eventually fined $8,500. 

The probe into the burglary led to Chua’s name surfacing. Authorities allege he directed others to rent storage units, coordinated shipments across the border, and oversaw distribution in Singapore.

Chua was arrested during an islandwide operation on October 10, 2024, carried out jointly by the Singapore Police Force and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). He has since been held in remand for nearly a year while facing a series of charges, including cheating and attempting to obstruct the course of justice .

The police and HSA issued a joint statement describing him as a “key syndicate figure” in the illegal trade .

With support from HypeAuditor , an AI-powered influencer marketing platform, we built the ranking using the Audience Quality Score (AQS) —a metric that goes beyond raw follower counts to assess real impact. AQS evaluates engagement, audience authenticity, growth patterns, and overall community quality.

This ranking reflects a broader transformation: journalism now lives on screens, scrolls, and seconds – and it’s speaking directly to millions.

If you’d like to check out the next part, click here , and if you want to see the top places, click here .

50. Hans Hamid (Singapore)

Hans Hamid is a Singapore based content creator and media commentator who shares lifestyle, motivational content, and social insights on TikTok, Instagram and X, where  highlights his engagement with media-related discussions.

Through thoughtful commentary and personal reflections, Hans blends creative digital storytelling with journalistic awareness, positioning himself as a mindful voice in Singapore’s media landscape.

Check out his TikTok profile.

49. Chua Qin Kai (Singapore)

Chua Qin Kai is a bilingual journalist and presenter at Mediacorp’s Channel 8 in Singapore. She anchors flagship news programmes like 10 pm News Tonight and co-hosts Hello Singapore , where she conducts live interviews with guests and political figures.

Qin Kai also reports and produces coverage across a range of topics including politics, economics, housing, and transport.

Check out her TikTok profile.

48. Edward Russell (Singapore)

Edward Russell is a British-Singaporean TV and radio presenter known for his work with Mediacorp, Singapore’s national broadcaster. He hosts the afternoon show Cartunes on Class 95 and has covered major international sports events like the Olympics, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Australian Open.

He also worked as a presenter for Fox Sports Asia, leading coverage of MotoGP and football. His approach to sports storytelling and live coverage incorporates journalism, highlighting his ability to inform and engage audiences effectively.

Check out his TikTok profile

47. Jade Seah (Singapore)

Jade Seah is a Singaporean media personality and former TV host known for her work on shows like The 5 Show and Hello! Singapore . She combines engaging storytelling with journalistic skills to connect with diverse audiences.

Beyond television, Jade shares wellness insights and personal experiences through various media platforms, continuing to build her presence in Singapore’s media landscape.

Check out her TikTok profile.

46. Karthik Kandthey (Singapore)

Karthik Kandthey, is a seasoned TV presenter and emcee based in Singapore. With over 14 years in the entertainment industry, he has hosted a wide range of events, from corporate functions to live concerts, and appeared on television, including Zee Tamil Entertainment.

His work combines live event hosting with elements of journalism, as he engages audiences through storytelling and public communication. 

Check out his TikTok profile.

45. Claire Jedrek (Singapore)

Claire Jedrek is a British-born, Singapore-based former race car driver turned TV presenter and broadcaster. She has hosted and commentated major motorsport events, including the Singapore Grand Prix and Blancpain GT Series Asia.

With over 18 years of experience in lifestyle, tech, esports, and fitness media, Claire combines on-screen presenting with journalistic storytelling, working across TV, live events, voice-over, and digital content.

Check out her TikTok profile.

44. Fizie Roslan (Malaysia) 

Mohamad Hafizie Roslan is a veteran Malaysian radio announcer and journalist with a career spanning nearly 20 years. He began his broadcasting journey at Manis FM and went on to host shows at Hot FM, Molek FM, and currently leads the Bro Pagi Gegar morning show on Gegar FM under Astro Radio.

As a radio presenter, he delivers news-style segments, interviews, and live community reports, often exploring social issues like his support for firefighters during Ramadan . 

Check out his TikTok profile.

43. Nursha Hassan (Malaysia)  

Nursha Hassan, is a Malaysian television news presenter for TV3’s Buletin Utama. Her platform features behind-the-scenes moments from her broadcasts and news updates in both English and Malay.

Additionally, she advocates for mental health awareness and hosts live segments aligned with Buletin Utama programmin.

Check out her TikTok profile.

42. Boo Trần (Vietnam)

Boo Tran is a Vietnamese host and presenter for the automotive show XE on VTC News TV. On TikTok he delivers engaging vehicle-related segments that include road safety tips, reviews, and on-the-ground coverage of driving culture in Vietnam.

His work combines informative reporting with casual, field-based storytelling, making transport news accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.

Check out his TikTok profile.

41. Ilham Irfan (Malaysia) 

Ilham Irfan is a Malaysian media professional who works as a radio news presenter, professional voice-over talent, and podcast/audio producer. He currently anchors English-language news on RTM and creates content in both English and Bahasa Melayu.

Producing audiobooks, voicing radio dramas, and narrating for corporate clients and government agencies, demonstrating a versatile presence in Malaysia’s audio journalism scene.

Check out his TikTok profile.

40. Norng Narin (Cambodia)

Besides covering sports and international news, Norng Narin a cambodian journalist, explores storytelling in other genres on his YouTube channel, including sharing suspenseful and atmospheric narratives.

This diverse content showcases his versatility as a journalist and content creator, engaging audiences beyond traditional news formats.

Check out his TikTok profile.

39.  Ezreena Amir Hamzah (Malaysia)

Ezreena Amir Hamzah is a Malaysian news presenter known for her work with TV3, one of Malaysia’s leading television networks. Besides her journalism career, she is also an accredited trainer with HRD Corp and works as an event planner at The Ceremony Event, showcasing her versatility beyond broadcasting.

On her TikTok account, she shares behind-the-scenes content from her professional life. Her multifaceted career highlights her skills in both journalism and event management.

Check out her TikTok profile.

38. Trung Nghĩa Võ (Vietnam)

Trung Nghĩa Võ is a Vietnamese travel journalist and content creator known for his engaging TikTok account “binological”. He shares immersive travel stories, highlighting Vietnam’s natural beauty, cultural sites, and lesser-known destinations.

Through his digital storytelling, he brings local experiences to a broader audience, blending informative travel insights with vivid visuals.

Check out his TikTok profile.

37. Jovi Lloza (Philippines) 

Jovi P. Lloza is a Filipino showbiz journalist and digital storyteller who goes by the on-screen name "Veejo Files". She is active on TikTok where she shares mini entertainment reports, celebrity updates, and behind-the-scenes content crafted like digital columns.

Check out her TikTok profile.

36. Ashikin Hashim "Futbolita" (Singapore) 

Ashikin Hashim, better known in social media as “Futbolita”, is a prominent Singaporean sports journalist, TV presenter, FIFA players' agent and entrepreneur, famously dubbed the "Female Voice of Football". In 2008, she founded "Futbolita", a platform for in-depth football interviews and insights, which expanded into TV presenting roles for networks like Eleven Sports and Astro.

Hashim is a FIFA-accredited journalist and agent, notably covering the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.  Her journalism blends tactical analysis, culture, and fan engagement across digital and broadcast platforms, empowering women in football and spotlighting Asian talent. 

Check out her TikTok profile.

35. Fi Austin (Cambodia)

Fi Austin is a Cambodian sports presenter, ring announcer, and commentator who has worked with CTN, CNC, MYTV, and PNN Sport. On TikTok, he shares dynamic behind-the-scenes content from live sports events and ring announcements.

His YouTube channel also features on-site coverage and sports commentary. As a sports journalist and presenter, Fi combines live event reporting with digital storytelling to engage her audience.

Check out his TikTok profile.

34. Randy Gragaz (Indonesia)

Randy Gragaz is an Indonesian media professional and content creator with a background in broadcast journalism. A former presenter for Jogja TV and JTV, he holds a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from Universitas Gadjah Mada.

On TikTok he shares engaging on-the-ground content featuring culinary spots and lifestyle segments across Surabaya and Yogyakarta.

Check out his TikTok profile.

33. Gretchen Ong Ho (Philippines)

Gretchen Ong Ho is a Filipino broadcaster and journalist who began her media career hosting sports shows like Gameday Weekend on ABS‑CBN Sports+Action. She went on to anchor major news programs such as Umagang Kay Ganda , TV Patrol and The Big Story on TV5 and One News. An accomplished former volleyball player for Ateneo, she has earned accolades including Best News Personality (2020 Paragala Media Awards).

In 2025, she launched her own solo news-interview program Morning Matter s on One News, marking a significant milestone in her evolving journalistic career.

Check out her TikTok profile.

32. Nutt Piyachat (Thailand)

Nutt Piyachat is a Thai TV journalist and news presenter at Thairath TV on Channel 32, well-known for his on-screen reporting style and field coverage.

He actively shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his news work on his TikTok channel where he delivers live reports on current events and human-interest stories. 

Check out his TikTok profile.

31. Nicole Cordoves (Philippines)

Nicole Cordoves is a Filipino journalist, host, and media personality known for her articulate and engaging public presence. She first gained recognition as Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 and placed first runner-up at Miss Grand International 2016.

Nicole has become a sought-after host and presenter, co-hosting major pageants like Miss Grand International 2017 and Binibining Pilipinas (2018, 2021–2023) alongside Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach. 

Check out her TikTok profile.

Discover the next part of the list (numbers 30-11) on August 1.

This list was created with the help of  HypeAuditor  and is based on the  Audience Quality Score (AQS) . In case of a tie between two or more personalities, we used the engagement rate to establish the order. The keywords used in our search were 'journalist', 'journalism', 'host', 'reporter' and 'announcer' in all Southeast Asia countries.

Read more from this series exploring TikTok journalism across the Global South:

Top journalists in Africa. Part 3.

Top journalists in Africa. Part 2.

Top journalists in Africa. Part 1.

Top journalists in Latin America. Part 4.

Top journalists in Latin America. Part 3.

Top journalists in Latin America. Part 2.

Top journalists in Latin America. Part 1.

The sedative, normally used by doctors to put patients to sleep before surgery, is now being misused in vapes known locally as “K-pods.”

These vapes are illegal in Singapore, but they continue to circulate on the black market, especially among young people .

Authorities recently tested more than 100 of these devices and found the drug in about one in three.

It is fast-acting and, in a hospital setting, can safely lower consciousness for short periods, but when used without supervision, it can cause panic, confusion, unconsciousness, and addiction.

Doctors say repeated use can also shut down the body’s stress system by affecting the adrenal glands. This makes it harder for the body to respond to emergencies or even basic stress.

“It can shut down your adrenal glands, which are critical for producing certain stress hormones like cortisol. This suppression can last for a few days and leave your body unable to handle stress,” Dr Lee Chuen Peng, a lung specialist, was quoted as saying .

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that the sedative will soon be listed under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act.

This means that anyone caught with the drug will face the same punishments as those caught with substances like heroin or cannabis.

First-time users may be sent to drug rehabilitation centres. Repeat offenders could be jailed or fined heavily.

The move follows similar bans in China and Hong Kong, where the drug has also appeared in black-market vape products.

Singapore already has strict laws against e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

But the new step is aimed at keeping dangerous drugs out of circulation and stopping a growing trend of young people using vapes for more than just nicotine.

With an average IQ score of 106.61, the city-state leads a competitive field that includes major performers across Asia, Europe, and North America . The findings shed new light on global trends in cognitive performance and educational achievement.

Top 10 countries by average IQ in 2025

Four of the top five countries: Singapore, China, South Korea, and North Korea, are located in East Asia. This reinforces the region's longstanding reputation for high academic achievement and rigorous educational systems.

Singapore, a nation renowned for its STEM-driven curriculum and heavy investment in early childhood education, has consistently ranked among the world’s smartest nations in recent years.

China and South Korea follow closely, driven by national policies that emphasize math, science, and competitive testing from an early age.

North Korea’s placement may be more controversial, given data reliability concerns, but AVSEO states that its standardised testing was conducted under strict verification protocols.

While Asia dominates, several European countries also feature prominently.

Netherlands and Estonia represent Northern Europe with average IQs above 101.

Liechtenstein and Finland continue to uphold strong educational reputations, thanks to egalitarian schooling systems and early literacy programmes.

Canada is the only North American nation to make the top 10, with an average IQ of 100.99. According to AVSEO, Canada benefits from bilingual education, inclusivity in learning, and a culture that values critical thinking across socio-economic backgrounds.

The AVSEO IQ Test uses a normalised global scale (Mean = 100, SD = 15) and was administered to over 2 million participants across 120 countries. The 2025 dataset includes adjustments for education access, test exposure and cultural bias in question design.

AVSEO also notes that IQ, while a significant indicator of logical reasoning and abstract problem-solving, does not capture emotional intelligence, creativity, or real-world adaptability.

MAS has ruled out grace periods or transitional arrangements as it states that failure to comply will be treated as a criminal offence, punishable by fines of up to SGD 250,000 (USD 200,000) and up to three years' imprisonment under Section 137 of the Act.

The measure closes a regulatory loophole that allowed firms to operate globally from Singapore without being licensed locally. According to MAS , the move aims to prevent regulatory arbitrage and protect Singapore’s reputation as a tightly regulated financial hub.

Experts say the law now applies regardless of company size, structure, or customer base, affecting crypto exchanges, wallet providers, DeFi projects, token issuers, and even marketing firms promoting token services abroad. Simply being incorporated in Singapore is sufficient to trigger licensing obligations, even if user activity is hosted elsewhere.

“This is not about scale; if you're offering digital token services from Singapore to any foreign market, you must comply or shut down,” said fintech lawyer Mike Chiam.

MAS has approved 33 digital payment token licences, including for major players like Coinbase and OKX. But it has also made clear that future licences will be granted only in exceptional cases, citing persistent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) concerns.

Smaller players, which lack the legal and compliance infrastructure of larger firms, face high compliance costs or total shutdown.

MAS's uncompromising stance comes as part of a broader global effort to regulate crypto markets, aligning with standards from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The authority has said it will not allow its jurisdiction to be used as a regulatory shelter for crypto businesses operating without oversight elsewhere.

While some in the industry argue that the abrupt deadline offers little time for restructuring, MAS insists that the law has been communicated since April 2022, when the FSM Act was passed.

A June 6, 2025, statement reiterated that the time for transition has ended.

FIS Director Muluken Amare confirmed that while crypto trading remains illegal, preparations are underway to build the technical and legal capacity to respond to potential violations.

Ethiopia is currently investing in technology and human resources to detect and monitor virtual transactions.

Officials stress that even in the absence of full legalisation, there is a need for a regulatory framework to deter misuse and prevent cryptocurrencies from being exploited for crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

Other countries are also making strides in the regulation of crypto transactions. All over the world, countries including the United States and the United Kingdom are putting in place measures to ensure that crypto trading is regulated.

Within the global south, these other countries are also in the race to ensure regularised crypto transactions.  While their strategies differ, the trend is clear: crypto is no longer on the sidelines, and governments are racing to shape its future within their borders.

China

China has taken one of the toughest positions globally on cryptocurrencies.

The country banned Bitcoin mining in 2021, prompting the closure or relocation of mining operations. Later that year, it declared all cryptocurrency transactions illegal, effectively outlawing crypto trading and related businesses.

The People’s Bank of China stated that crypto enterprises had been facilitating unregulated public financing, leading to risks for investors and threats to financial stability.

Despite the ban, China continues to explore blockchain technology and has advanced its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital yuan, as a government-backed alternative to decentralised cryptocurrencies.

Singapore

Singapore has taken a more structured approach by recognising cryptocurrencies as property, though not legal tender.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates exchanges under the Payment Services Act and has issued multiple guidelines to limit public advertising by digital payment token providers.

In 2023, MAS launched a framework for stablecoins, requiring issuers to meet strict conditions to be recognised as “MAS-regulated.”

While the country does not tax long-term capital gains on crypto, it does tax companies that actively trade in digital assets.

This regulatory clarity, combined with low taxes and investor protections, has positioned Singapore as a hub for crypto innovation and governance in the region.

India

India remains undecided on whether to fully legalise or ban cryptocurrency.

While a bill to prohibit private cryptocurrencies has been circulated, it is yet to be passed into law. Instead, India has implemented one of the highest crypto tax rates globally, imposing a 30% tax on gains and a 1% tax deducted at source on all trades.

In its 2022 Finance Bill, the Indian government defined virtual digital assets as property and introduced tax reporting obligations, signalling a step toward formal regulation even without full legal clarity.

Despite mixed signals, India continues to participate in global crypto conversations and has supported calls for international regulation.

Brazil

Brazil has passed a legal framework that formally recognises cryptocurrencies as valid forms of payment.

Although Bitcoin is not considered legal tender, the government enacted Law No. 14,478 in 2023 , which sets out rules for virtual asset service providers.

Under the law, the Central Bank of Brazil was designated as the authority to regulate and supervise crypto activities. Brazil’s approach is aimed at promoting adoption while ensuring financial security and transparency. With regulatory infrastructure now in place, the country has taken a leading role in Latin America’s push for responsible crypto integration into the mainstream economy.

In Sarawak, Chung Hua Primary School Boards Association president Datuk Jonathan Chai urged all schools to install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to better respond to emergencies. At a safety seminar attended by over 180 teachers, Chai emphasised that educators must also be protectors, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training. The event, organised with the Malaysian Red Cross, aimed to equip teachers with vital life-saving skills, The Borneo Post reported.

Southeast Asia seeks joint tariff talks with Trump

Southeast Asian nations will present a united front to address U.S. tariffs and other challenges, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at the ASEAN summit. Anwar, this year’s ASEAN chair, is pushing for a joint meeting with President Trump to discuss tariff impacts, which range from 10% to 49% across member states. ASEAN has formed a task force to coordinate responses, while some members pursue bilateral talks. Anwar also highlighted Tuesday’s historic meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the Gulf Cooperation Council, aimed at boosting regional cooperation. Leaders will unveil a 20-year plan for deeper integration. However, tensions remain with China over the South China Sea, with Philippine President Marcos Jr. urging a binding code of conduct. Anwar warned that the rules-based international order is under threat from arbitrary actions.

China's premier urges stronger trade ties with Malaysia

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged deeper trade and investment ties with Malaysia during a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to Xinhua. Visiting Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN-GCC-China summit, Li emphasised defending multilateral trade and cooperation amid rising protectionism. Li’s call follows recent regional visits by Chinese leaders as Beijing looks to strengthen ties beyond the U.S. amid ongoing tariff tensions. He pledged closer economic collaboration with Malaysia and ASEAN-GCC nations to tackle global challenges.

Vietnam to export renewable energy to Malaysia, Singapore

At the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam signed a tripartite agreement with Malaysia and Singapore to export clean electricity, marking the first step toward cross-border renewable energy trade. Witnessed by Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh, Anwar Ibrahim, and Lawrence Wong, the deal supports ASEAN’s vision of a regional power grid. Malaysia’s MY Energy Consortium (TNB and Petronas) will partner with Vietnam’s PTSC and Singapore’s Sembcorp to harness Vietnam’s offshore wind energy for export. The deal aligns with Vietnam’s Power Development Plan 8, which targets up to 10 GW of renewable energy exports by 2035. Vietnam has over 470 GW of offshore wind potential within 200 km of its coast.

Malaysia PM hails key progress on Myanmar at ASEAN Summit

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday praised "significant" steps to engage Myanmar’s warring sides, as ASEAN leaders gathered in Kuala Lumpur to address the ongoing conflict and U.S. trade threats. Myanmar has faced turmoil since a 2021 military coup sparked a nationwide rebellion, displacing over 3.5 million people. As ASEAN chair, Anwar has led renewed peace efforts, including recent meetings with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and Myanmar’s shadow government. He emphasised that while progress remains fragile, “even a fragile bridge is better than a widening gulf.”

The fraudulent scheme, known as “En Primeur” (EP), falsely promised investors ownership of premium wines supposedly sourced from French suppliers. However, no such wines were ever procured. Instead, Ko and Koo funnelled investor funds through a shell company, Grand Millesimes Limited (GML), incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, with fake invoices to simulate transactions.

A report by Straits Times indicated that Ko laundered funds through a Swiss bank account and later into a third account in Singapore, deliberately layering transfers to avoid detection. Court documents revealed he kept S$8 million for personal use and distributed Koo’s share through underground channels and cash payments.

More than 240 police reports were filed from May 2011, leading to an investigation. Both men left Singapore that same month. Ko’s Swiss account was closed later that year, and he remained abroad until his arrest in May 2024 upon returning to Singapore. No restitution has been made.

Ko pleaded guilty to one count of criminal breach of trust involving over $10 million and two counts of dealing with criminal proceeds. Twelve other charges were considered in sentencing.

The five-week crackdown, which ran from late February to March, involved police from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Officers raided 269 l ocations and seized hundreds of electronic devices, including computers, mobile phones, and storage drives. Investigators also found child abuse materials created using artificial intelligence.

In Singapore, 21 men aged between 23 and 61 were arrested for various crimes, including possessing and sharing child abuse materials, sexual assault, and threatening to leak intimate images.

Police said one 43-year-old man paid a young girl over several years to livestream sexual acts, while another 24-year-old man exchanged intimate photos with a victim and later threatened to release them online.

Both victims were from outside Singapore.

Authorities say the arrests highlight the growing threat of online child exploitation.

"These crimes cross borders, and we will continue working with international partners to bring offenders to justice," Singapore police said in a statement .

Police warn that anyone caught with child abuse materials could face up to five years in jail, while those distributing such content could get up to seven years. Both crimes also carry heavy fines or caning in some jurisdictions.

The operation is one of the biggest of its kind in Asia, and police say investigations are ongoing.

Here are the top 5:​

Monaco : Maintaining its position as the priciest real estate market globally, $1 million in Monaco secures just 16 square metres (approximately 172 square feet) of prime residential property. ​

Hong Kong : In this dense financial hub, $1 million buys about 22 square metres (approximately 236 square feet) of luxury living space , reflecting its limited land availability and high demand. ​

Singapore : Known for its robust economy and status as a global financial centre, Singapore offers 32 square metres (approximately 344 square feet) of prime property for $1 million. ​

London : Despite recent market adjustments, London remains a premium market where $1 million can acquire about 34 square metres (approximately 366 square feet) of luxury property. ​

Geneva : As a hub for international diplomacy and finance, Geneva's real estate market is highly competitive, with $1 million purchasing around 37 square metres (approximately 398 square feet) of prime residential space. ​

This growth is fuelled by the country’s rich natural resources, including palm oil, coal, and nickel, making it a key global supplier. Indonesia’s rapidly expanding middle class drives domestic consumption, further strengthening the economy. With ongoing infrastructure development and digital transformation, the country is expected to maintain its upward trajectory in the coming years.

Singapore, ranked ninth in the region, continues solidifying its status as a global financial hub. Despite its small geographical size, it has built a highly competitive economy by leveraging its strategic location and fostering an innovation-driven business environment.

The country has invested heavily in technology, research, and development, positioning itself as a fintech, biotech, and advanced manufacturing leader. With a projected GDP of $562 billion, Singapore remains a key player in international trade and finance, attracting multinational corporations and high-value investments.

Vietnam’s economy is expected to reach $506 billion by 2025, driven primarily by its booming manufacturing sector and substantial foreign direct investment. The country has become a significant production hub for global brands, particularly in electronics and textiles, as companies seek alternatives to traditional manufacturing bases like China.

Government policies that support business-friendly reforms and infrastructure development have also contributed to the country’s rapid economic expansion. Additionally, Vietnam’s young, highly skilled workforce and growing digital economy are expected to sustain long-term growth significantly.

Thailand and the Philippines are also set for strong economic performances, with projected GDPs of $545 billion and $508 billion, respectively. Thailand benefits from a well-established manufacturing sector, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries, alongside a thriving tourism industry that continues to recover post-pandemic. Government initiatives to enhance digital transformation and promote foreign investment are expected to further boost economic growth.

With its youthful and tech-savvy population, the Philippines is emerging as a hub for the digital economy and business process outsourcing. Its rapidly growing technology sector and increasing foreign investment in infrastructure and services are positioning the country for continued expansion. The strong remittance inflows from overseas Filipino workers further support household spending and economic resilience.

With dynamic economic landscapes and strategic investments in key sectors, Southeast Asia’s largest economies are set to play an increasingly important role in global markets, reinforcing the region’s status as a critical driver of economic growth in the coming years.

While some jobs will be eliminated, DBS is also creating approximately 1,000 new positions related to emerging technologies. The bank’s outgoing CEO estimates that these changes could result in an economic impact exceeding 1 billion Singapore dollars by 2025.

All Singaporeans aged 21 and above will get SG60 vouchers in July. Those between 21 and 59 years old will receive $600, while those aged 60 and above will get $800.

Half of these vouchers can be used at supermarkets, and the other half at heartland shops. They will be valid until December 2026 and can be used anywhere that accepts CDC vouchers.

In addition, Singaporeans will receive a 60% rebate on personal income tax for 2025. However, this rebate will be capped at $200, mainly benefiting middle-income workers.

The government is also introducing the SG Culture Pass to encourage people to attend local arts and heritage events. Starting in September 2025, Singaporeans aged 18 and above will get $100 in culture credits, which will be valid until the end of 2028.

For sports lovers, all ActiveSG members will receive an extra $100 in credits in June 2025. Those who sign up as new members will get a total of $200.

Asia One reports that parents of babies born in 2025 will also get a special SG60 Baby Gift. The government will share details of this gift by early March.

Support is also being given to hawkers and those in need. Every hawker stall managed by the government or its appointed operators will receive $600 in rental support this year. PM Wong said hawkers are a big part of Singapore’s culture, and the government wants to show its appreciation.

To encourage donations, the government will increase its support for charities and social causes. It will add $100 million to the Cultural Matching Fund, which has been extended until the end of 2029.

Another $270 million will go into the Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme, which matches every dollar donated to Singapore-registered charities. This programme will continue until 2027.

A new initiative called SG Gives will also be introduced. The government will provide $1.50 for every dollar given in large or long-term donations. A total of $250 million has been set aside for this. Another $60 million will go to self-help groups to support those in need.

The law, called the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill, means race-based organisations must now reveal any foreign or anonymous donations they receive.

They also have to disclose any links they have with foreign groups and provide details about their leadership.

If necessary, the government can block these organisations from accepting money from foreign sources or force them to return certain donations.

The law also gives the home affairs minister the power to take action against people who spread content that could harm racial harmony, local news reports.

However, officials admit the law cannot stop everyday racial issues or offensive remarks although it will serve as a strong message that Singapore will not allow outside forces to create division.

Most lawmakers supported the law, but some warned it could cause problems.

According to them, some local groups have long-standing connections with organisations abroad, which have helped preserve Singapore’s cultural traditions.

Singapore is a multicultural country where about 74% of residents are Chinese, 13.6% are Malay, and 9% are Indian.

In recent years, the government has been keeping a closer watch on foreign influence.

The government says the new law is part of its efforts to protect Singapore from any external interference that could threaten its stability.

Japan holds second place, with its passport granting access to 193 destinations visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival.

Six countries share third place, each offering access to 192 destinations. These include South Korea, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on how many countries holders can visit without needing a visa. It uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In the top 10 rankings, other notable countries include Austria, Denmark, and Sweden. Malaysia ranks 12th, with its passport providing access to 183 destinations. The UK is 5th, while the US comes in at 9th, showing slightly less travel freedom compared to their previous rankings.

“The index reflects the strength of international relations,” Henley & Partners said . Many of the top-ranking countries maintain strong diplomatic ties across the world.

The Henley Passport Index is updated every year and is often used as a measure of travel freedom globally.

Gukesh beat China ’s Ding Liren last week in Singapore during an intense final match.

His victory has made him a national hero in a country where cricket usually dominates. Many young fans at the airport said his win had inspired them to dream of pursuing chess as a career.

Gukesh is the second Indian to win the chess world title, after Viswanathan Anand. His achievement has earned praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called it "remarkable" and said it will inspire millions of young people. Gukesh is set to meet Tamil Nadu leaders and the prime minister later this month.

According to OpenSignal's 2024 report , here are the top 5 countries leading the way in 5G download speed:

South Korea

South Korea remains at the forefront with an average 5G download speed of 432.5 Mbps. The country's extensive 5G infrastructure and early adoption have solidified its position as a global leader.

Singapore

Singapore follows with an impressive average speed of 376.8 Mbps. The country's unique single wholesale network and relatively low 5G adoption have contributed to its high ranking.

Brazil

Brazil ranks third, boasting an average 5G download speed of 346.4 Mbps. This reflects the country's advanced telecommunications infrastructure and commitment to technological innovation.

Malaysia

Malaysia offers an average speed of 322.7 Mbps, thanks to significant investments in 5G technology and infrastructure.

Qatar

Qatar's average 5G download speed is 312.0.9 Mbps, placing it fifth on the list. The country's rapid deployment of 5G networks has paid off.

Singapore

Singapore leads the region with the highest average wage in manufacturing, $5,016 per month. The country's advanced industrial base in sectors like biotech, electronics, and chemicals and its high cost of living contribute to these elevated wage levels.

Malaysia

Malaysia's manufacturing sector is robust, and the average wage is $797 per month, particularly in electronics and machinery. This helps maintain relatively high wages compared to its regional peers.

Philippines

With a $555 average wage, the Philippines has a growing manufacturing sector, with significant contributions from the semiconductor and food industries, supporting higher wage levels.

Thailand

Thailand's manufacturing industry is well-developed, especially in the automotive and electronics sectors, which helps sustain competitive wages. The average monthly wage in Thailand is $431.

Indonesia

Indonesia's average wage per month is $350. The country's large manufacturing workforce and diverse industrial base in key sectors like electronics, automotive and textiles contribute to its position on this list, with wages reflecting the country's economic scale.

Several allegations against the minister were dropped; and prosecutors moved forward with only five charges - one for obstruction of justice and four related to the receipt of gifts from two businessmen including a billionaire property tycoon.

AFP reports that the remaining 30 will be taken into consideration for sentencing.

“As you know my lawyers have stated the position clearly and as you are well aware the matter is now sub judice. So it’s not appropriate for me to say anything more. And I just want to thank all of you for coming and let’s see how it goes," he told reporters after the Supreme Court hearing on September 24.

The 62-year-old resigned in January 2024 after formally being charged for offences including the acceptance of gifts including bottles of whiskey and golf clubs worth more than $300,000 from a Malaysian hotel tycoon Ong Beng Seng.

Here he interacted both with the Catholic and Muslim communities in Jakarta, the capital.

After this, he visited other countries including Papua Guinea, Timore Leste and finalised his trip today.

The Pope was welcomed by crowds at the Changi Airport as he interacted with some clergymen and children.

Pope Francis’ visit is considered iconic considering his recent health complications.

The 87-year-old has had to undergo a hernia surgery and has suffered respiratory issues. He now relies on a wheelchair, walking sticks or aides to get around.

The Pope’s trip was however very successful as he carried out several public engagements, and energised congregations through impromptu call-and-response.

In East Timor, he held a mass for 600,000 faithful -- almost half the nation's population -- before flying on Wednesday to finance hub Singapore.

Burn survivor at 6, robotics engineer at 19: Ghanaian teen helping the visually impaired with tech

Ghanaian inventor Henry Senyegbe Agbemabiese's is making history with his assistive devices for the visually impaired. At age 6, he suffered burns in a fire accident but overcame the trauma and started exploring technologies aimed at helping others like himself. He told GSW his story in an interview. Read more here .

Health facilities in Burundi under pressure over mpox surge

Burundi is struggling with a significant surge in mpox cases, with the health ministry confirming 171 cases as of this week. The virus has spread in Burundi from border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to almost all parts of the country. Despite the surge, there have been no reported deaths in Burundi, thanks to early detection and treatment efforts. Read more here .

Nigeria's capital turns to waterways to combat traffic congestion

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city with upwards of 20 million inhabitants is now looking at boats as a viable solution to the hours-long traffic jams that commuters face daily. The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LSWA) is spearheading efforts to enhance water transport in the city. According to Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager of the authority, there is a plan underway to massively and the waterway transport system and triple the number of boat passengers. Read more here .

Asia

Metro services resume in Bangladesh after weeks-long closure

After a months-long suspension due to intense protests, metro services in Dhaka have finally resumed. Read more here .

Deadly monsoon floods set Thailand on edge

Nineteen people were injured, and over 30,000 households in 13 provinces in Thailand have been affected by floods in the past 10 days. According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, flash floods from heavy monsoon rains have also killed 22 people recently, with disaster officials warning of more sudden flooding this week. Read more here .

This Singaporean company is making real coffee from bread, soy, and barley

Prefer CEO and Founder Jake Berber and his Co-founder, the "Fermentation Prince" Ding Jie Tan are making huge changes in the coffee industry by creating bean-free coffee in the face of rising prices and climate change. Read more here .

Latin America

Maduro marks 'triumph' as opposition protests one month into Venezuela's elections

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has marked the one-month anniversary since the National Electoral Council declared him the winner of his controversial re-election. Read more here .

Why a small Colombian city celebrates laziness with a festival every year

In Itagüi, a city in Colombia, residents came together in a unique celebration of rest and relaxation during the "World Day of Laziness." This quirky festival, held every year since 1985, forms part of the city’s annual Festival of Industry, Trade, and Culture. Read more here .

Massive blackouts roil Cuba

Power outages totaling 14 hours or more per day were reported on August 29, across much of crisis-racked Cuba, leaving millions of residents defenseless in the summer heat and humidity. The state-run power company said breakdowns had forced six plants off-line on the outdated and poorly maintained grid. Read more here .

According to the National Geographic , the world’s agricultural landscape is changing rapidly and by 2050, things will look very different than it looks now.

Faced with these daunting predictions, Berber began exploring alternatives to traditional coffee farming, leading to the creation of Prefer, a bean-free coffee product.

“My motivation actually comes from a climate perspective and I see this as doing my part in, in fighting climate change,” he told GSW in an interview.

“We came across some really startling issues in the coffee industry about how the price is rising. Coffee is under an existential threat. And that's because the supply is decreasing due to climate change and other factors and the demand on the rise because coffee is becoming more interesting for markets like China and India in particular. So the combination of all that really means that there is a huge gap in the market to solve,” he added.

After a year and a half of research and development, the first sample of Prefer was produced. Today, the company supplies 14 outlets across Singapore.

Berber recounted the journey, “We spent the first year and a half in research and development. First out of his (Ding Jie Tan’s) kitchen, trying to roast stuff on his own stove and then we were able to move into a small bench scale in the lab. And now we are building out our pilot facility where we're going to be able to make tons of coffee on a monthly basis,” Berber noted.

Beyond coffee, Prefer is looking to future-proof other flavours including cacao, hazelnut and vanilla to ensure affordability and sustainability amidst climate change threats.

“The problem that we're solving is that there are many different food beverages, crops, flavours that are being threatened by climate change. And so our whole mission is to future-proof these products that we know and love by making them in a more affordable and a more sustainable way just using our fermentation technology rather than relying on traditional agriculture.

Beyond the effects of climate change, coffee production itself contributes to the carbon footprint. So, while a cup of coffee can bring a lot of joy, the rising temperatures, lack of rainfall, and humidity are all reducing the growth and production of the crop.

Simply put, there’s high demand for coffee but less supply, which means you either need more money to buy it or be prepared to change your coffee-drinking habits.

This gap in the market is what motivated Prefer CEO and Founder Jake Berber and his Co-founder, the "Fermentation Prince" Ding Jie Tan, to create bean-free coffee.

Together, they introduced Asia’s first bean-free coffee in 2022, a product that has become the leading alternative to traditional coffee on the market.

“We use bread, soy, and barley from local manufacturers here to create coffee flavours via our fermentation process. And after we ferment it, we roast it and then we grind it up into coffee grounds,” Berber told GSW.

“It is the real deal. It tastes just like coffee. It gives the same experience as drinking coffee and, if you want, it gives that same kick or caffeine that coffee does. We're just able to create coffee in a more affordable and sustainable way,” he added.

Prefer currently works with several businesses in Singapore, including cafes and restaurants, that are happy to integrate their bean-free coffee into their operations to reduce costs and their carbon footprint.

Watch the full interview below:

Here are the top 5 countries with the lowest murder rates:

Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its stringent laws and effective law enforcement. The city-state's low crime rate, including murders, is a testament to its robust legal system. The country boasts a low murder rate of 0.12 per 100,000 people.

Oman

As of 2022, Oman's murder rate was 0.3 cases per 100,000 population. This rate has seen fluctuations over the years but has generally been on a downward trend and currently stands at 0.26. Oman is known for its low crime rates, including violent crimes, which contribute to its reputation as a safe country.

Macau

Macau's murder rate was 0.00 per 100,000 population as of 2022, marking a significant decline from previous years. The country seems to be keeping up with the record at 0.29 murder rate currently.

Hong Kong

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Hong Kong has a meagre murder rate with approximately 0.4 homicides per 100,000 people. Strict gun control laws and efficient policing are key factors in this country's safety.

Switzerland

Known for its neutrality and high standard of living, Switzerland has a low murder rate. The country's murder rate stands at 0.49 per 100,000 people. It's effective policing and strong social policies play a crucial role in maintaining safety.

The previous year saw a notable increase in e-vaporiser-related offences, with 7,838 people cited for illegal possession or use, up from 4,916 in 2022.

Authorities added that the latest figures include approximately 690 students referred to the HSA by educational institutions and 19 individuals apprehended at key transit points, including Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, Changi Airport, Singapore Cruise Centre, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

The enforcement effort is part of a broader multi-agency initiative involving the Health Promotion Board, Ministry of Education, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, National Environment Agency, and National Parks Board.

Here are the top 10 most surveilled cities in the world, based on the number of cameras per 1,000 people provided by Camparitech :

Cities of China

With an impressive 439.07 cameras per 1,000 people, Chinese cities dominate the list of the most surveilled cities. The country's emphasis on public safety and national security has led to the installation of millions of cameras across its cities.

Hyderabad, India

With 83.32 cameras per 1,000 people, Hyderabad tops the list of the most surveilled cities outside of China. The city boasts an impressive 900,000 cameras, cementing its reputation as one of the most watched cities in the world.

Indore, India

Indore follows closely with 60.57 cameras per 1,000 people. The city's 200,000 cameras ensure that its residents are under constant observation and is one of the most surveilled cities in India.

Delhi, India

Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts an impressive 19.96 cameras per 1,000 people. With 449,934 cameras installed across the city, Delhi is a hub of surveillance activity.

Singapore, Singapore

This cosmopolitan city-state has an astonishing 17.94 cameras per 1,000 people. Singapore's 109,072 cameras make it one of the most surveilled cities in the world, with a strong emphasis on public safety.

Moscow, Russia

Moscow's 16.88 cameras per 1,000 people put it firmly on the list of the most surveilled cities. The city's 214,000 cameras are proof of Russia's focus on national security.

Baghdad, Iraq

Iraq's Baghdad has 15.56 cameras per 1,000 people and is the seventh most surveilled city in the world. The city's 120,000 cameras are a response to the high crime rate and political instability in the region.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is the eighth most surveilled city in the world with 14.47 cameras per 1,000 people. The city's 144,513 cameras display how South Korea is interested in public safety and security.

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg's 13.49 cameras per 1,000 people make it one of the most surveilled cities in Europe. With 75,000 cameras spread across the city, Russia is truly focused on national security.

London, England (UK)

London boasts 13.21 cameras per 1,000 people and it's the tenth on the list of most surveilled cities in the world. The city further boasts an overall 127,423 cameras.